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By Kelly Atkinson Tourism Manager - Parkes Shire Council Friday The festivities commenced early on 9th January 2004 when Elvis impersonator Scott Crawford met excited Countrylink passengers at Central Railway Station in Sydney. Everyone boarded the 'Elvis Express' train bound for Parkes. Countrylink staff dressed in Elvis shades and the excited fans were entertained by Scott (Elvis) all the way to Central NSW. Meals on the train included 'Love me Tender Chicken', 'Viva Lasagne', 'Devil in Disguise Chocolate Cake' and 'Hunka Hunka Burnin Scones'. Just after lunch the 'Elvis Express' pulled in to Parkes Railway station where passengers were greeted by several 'Elvis' and 'Priscilla' look-a-likes and welcomed with Hawaiian leis. Media flocked to the station to cover the event, including Channel Nine's Today Show. The crew covered the whole weekend's festivities and screened the episode on Monday following the festival. Gracelands Function Centre/ Restaurant on Bushman Street was overflowing with hip-swivellers for the dinner and entertainment provided by local band U'n'Us. The evening kept everyone entertained, with the look-a-like and move-a-like Elvis contests encouraging lots of participation - especially from the local Rugby team. Even Parkes' State Member Tony McGrane entered the move-a-like section. The Leagues Club and Services Club both enjoyed Elvis/ Rock 'n' Roll DJs and dancing. Many of the local pubs also put on Elvis and rock 'n' roll groups. One young rock/punk band also did some Elvis covers in their own unique style. Shuttle buses ran all weekend to transport visitors to all the functions. Saturday The warm morning started with market stalls at Kelly Reserve, adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre. Stalls had lots to offer with some Elvis memorabilia, craft, clothes, food and much more. The main Street of Parkes, Clarinda Street was closed to traffic for the 11am street parade. The parade attracted close to 40 floats, celebrating all things Elvis. Several thousand visitors and locals lined the street to get a glimpse of the action. Following the street parade the free entertainment commenced at Kelly Reserve. Again, Elvis look-a-like and sound-a-like contests attracted large fields of entrants. The Priscilla, Lisa-Maree and Little Elvis contests were also popular. The Services Club screened 'This is Elvis' - a definitive film biography of the King - several times throughout the weekend for those visitors seeking some air conditioned comfort and a coldie. Saturday evening saw Johnny Young perform live at the services club, singing many of his own songs as well as lots of Elvis numbers. Rave reviews followed this extensive concert. Much-loved impersonator Adam Sutherland also performed in Parkes at the Services Club. He performed most favourites and the show wouldn't have been complete without the delivery of the sweaty red scarves. |
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Copyright (c) Federation of Elvis Clubs in Australia |