The exhibition – just the third since it was introduced in 2006 – will be held at the Coventry Room and is expected to prove one of the major attractions of the 16th annual Elvis Festival.

Some 90 entries have been received so far, including many from Parkes and surrounding areas, but also from Queensland and Victoria.

Co-ordinators, Robyn Morrissey and Elsie Mahon said the exhibition had been expanded this year to include pieces of leadlight, mosaics, sculptures and collages – although art is the predominant form of entry.

The theme for the exhibition is one of Elvis’ more popular films, Viva Las Vegas and there will be a distinct appearance of casinos complete with local ‘croupiers’ and ‘showgirls.’

Wayne Bakker of Omni Instruments here in Parkes is the generous sponsor of the exhibition.

‘Wayne is a mad keen Elvis fan and also enjoys art and continues his support from last year,’ Robyn said.

‘$1,000 will be awarded to the winning entry, with $300 to the runner-up.

‘Judging will be by popular vote with visitors to the exhibition receiving a number voting form and making their choice. In this way, we are also able to keep count on how many people come through.

‘Last year we had about 1,000 visitors and we hope we will have even more this year.’

No stone is being left unturned in ensuring visitors to town know exactly where the exhibition is located.

‘We have prepared a map which will be placed in the tourist bags which will be distributed, we will have someone carrying a sandwich board throughout the festival, banners at the Post Office and at Camping World up the main street, and there will be a display in Painted Daisies window. We will also be regularly letting visitors know over the radio,’ Robyn said.

The exhibition will be officially launched on Friday night (January 9), with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm ceremony to kick off the display.