One of the great success stories behind the annual Parkes Elvis Festival over the years has been the magnificent contribution and on-going support from volunteers within the community.
This year a total of 80 local residents combined to contribute more than 700 voluntary hours towards the success of the record breaking festival – described by many as the `best ever.’
The over-riding factor behind the continued support from the volunteers is the ‘fun and joy’ experienced by them throughout the five-days.
Four stalwart volunteers Geraldine Butler, Dick and Allison Howlett and Cathy Rawsthorne, gave up to 10 hours a day to this year’s event and all chorused they wouldn’t have missed it for quids.
The Howletts first became involved in the volunteer program in 2006 when the festival really started to grow in visitor numbers.
They have assisted every year since.
“It is a joyous, wonderful, feel-good festival which is why we volunteer and what continues to attract thousands year in and year out,” Allison said.
`Over the years we have helped with the street parade by marshalling the floats and participants, as well as assisting seat patrons in the Leagues Club auditorium for the feature concerts.
“This year’s festival really started for us on New Year’s Day at Elvis Central where we unpacked the memorabilia ready to be sold.
“We did about 10 hours a day but we’re not complaining. It is always great fun.”
Allison said it is the friendliness of the Parkes community that ensures the festival’s success.
“One man I spoke too travelled down from the Gold Coast and said he is thinking of moving to Parkes to live.
“Not because of the festival but because of our community spirit. There’s no better endorsement than that, is there?”
Cathy Rawsthorne is another Elvis Festival volunteer junkie.
“I’ve volunteered for the past five years now and what I love about the event is the fact I’ve never heard a negative word spoken by any visitor I’ve talked to,” Cathy said.
“This festival truly unites the town and the people through their love of Elvis Presley and his music.”
Cathy’s voluntary efforts have focused on Kings Castle, home of the magnificent Elvis memorabilia display owned by Greg Page of Yellow Wiggle fame, and the concert venues.
“However, my main job has been assisting people with disabilities access the allocated area opposite the Leagues Club so they can easily view the spectacular and popular parade.”
Cathy’s other `tasks’ have included line marking Cooke Park for the stall holders as well as assisting them with any enquiries.
Joanne Chatman who for the fourth consecutive year oversaw the coordination of the volunteers in a voluntary capacity, said the pressure associated with the position was compensated by the enthusiasm from all involved.
“While we can boast 80 wonderful volunteers this year the number is never ever enough,” Joanne said.
“I urge anyone who can assist in maintaining the festival’s growth and success to get involved as a volunteer for 2013.”
Information can be obtained either by visiting or phoning the Visitor Information Centre or obtaining information from the website www.parkeselvisfestival.com
Geraldine Butler was encouraged to get involved in the volunteer programme by Allison and Dick Howlett.
“I went to a meeting some five years ago and have been hooked ever since,” Geraldine said.
“It’s such a fun event that time doesn’t matter. While I did about six and-a-half-hours a day it doesn’t mean that has to be the case for everyone. You can volunteer to do one hour if you wish,’ she said.
“Initially I helped out with the marshalling of the street parade and with the `kids corner’. This year I volunteered six days at the Elvis Central store and on the Saturday night sold tickets in the cruise raffle.
“And of course we were blessed with beautiful weather conditions instead of the traditional heatwave that always seems to hit Parkes around festival time.”
Joanne thanked all volunteers involved in the festival including Parkes Shire Council staff.
She was supported by Allison, Dick, Geraldine and Cathy who all expressed support for their fellow volunteers and gratitude to Parkes Shire Council.
“Council staff did a magnificent job in maintaining the cleanliness within Cooke Park and its surrounds. It is something that visitors commented on throughout the festival and council can’t be praised enough,” they said.
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