Jumpsuits, a little bit of love and some rock and roll saw hundreds of people make their way to Parkes over the past four days for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Residents and visitors to Orange made their way down the highway to the festival over the four days, with Visit Orange providing a special Elvis Festival shuttle bus on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
With accommodation in Parkes sold out, many people attending the festival stayed in Orange and commuted each day.
On Saturday moning festival goers were treated to the biggest parade honoring the King in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hundreds of people took part in the parade, with tousands more lining the streets to watch.
Community groups, tribute artists, fan groups and residents from around town took part in the annual event, which continues to grow each and every year.
One highlight of the festival again in 2018 was the the all-Elvis rugby union match at Pioneer Park on Friday night.
The fourth event saw both sides kitted up in their hunky best with matching white jumpsuits, big-hair wigs and of course their red and blue scarfs.
Prior to the 25-man teams taking to the field on Friday night, the teams - the Blue Suede Shoes and the Reddy Teddies - took a moment to huddle for their team talk, while their opponents used the time to warm up with stretches.
The final score was 10-all and no jumpsuits were severely harmed in this year’s match.
On Saturday the importance of Elvis Presley to Parkes was immortalised in bronze at Cooke Park.
NSW Governor David Hurley pulled the covers off the life-size statue in front of sculptor Terrance Plowright, Members of Elvis Revival Inc and a large crowd.
Mr Plowright said it was a daunting task trying to sculpt a man who is still one of the most recognised figures in the world, 40 years after his death, but he was honoured to be given the chance.
His work captured Elvis in one of his signature poses, leaning forward with his right leg bent in front and left leg stretched out behind him, singing into a microphone.
Parkes mayor Ken Keith said the statue was to “recognise the importance of the Elvis Festival to Parkes, as well as the wonderful volunteers right throughout the 26 year festival and Elvis Revival Inc, whose surplus funds after planning the festival were put to the statue.”
