With people filling the park, flocking to the streets and gathering for a service like no other, it is no wonder 2010’s Elvis Festival has broken all records.
And what was once a slow period for many businesses in Parkes has now become their most busiest time of year.
When I was told Parkes’ population doubled during the festival I was astounded and excited about what such an event would bring to a small town.
The festival just screams the campaign “support your local business”.
For the first time ever the festival hosted 12,000 Elvis enthusiasts with over 140 events taking place, 3000 people attending the gospel service (which continues to grow with each coming year), 400 fans packing the eight carriages on the CountryLink’s Elvis Express and over 100 entries in the Elvis parade – pumping a massive $5 million in total into the local economy.
Not only does Parkes and our economy benefit greatly from the festival, but so do our neighbouring towns who I daresay are very grateful for what the festival brings to them.
Local hotels and motels are already filling fast for next year’s festival, some already entirely booked out!
Shuttle buses travelled between Peak Hill and Parkes, and Parkes and Forbes, and even as far as Dubbo all weekend.
With this kind of outcome and attention, opportunity is knocking ever so loudly on our door.
The Elvis Festival aftermath allows for struggling artists to be seen and heard, ultimately getting the foot in the door.
The festival promotes some real talent with the inclusion of singers, artists (visual art and sculpting), poets, local dancers and even the local M and D Theatre.
It gives our youth a chance to be spotted.
It also allows for something much more than that … take for example the story of the so-called “Crap Elvis” featured in Monday’s edition.
A man named Matt Hale attended the 2008 Elvis Festival where he found himself proudly accepting last place in every look-a-like and sound-a-like competition.
He performed two songs as requested and soon found himself invited back to the 2009 festival to perform a full set.
After that, he travelled to 25 countries with his wig and suit and even now has CDs and fans with Crap Elvis merchandise!
Hairstylists, make-up artists and costume designers also have an opportunity to be noticed, especially at this year’s festival with the presence of Joh Bailey at the Miss Priscilla dinner.
The event has become a real formal occasion with the presentation of awards, photo opportunities and all.
The Elvis Festival gives birth to more and improved facilities too … the RSL is currently in the process of constructing a balcony so members and guests can overlook Cooke Park.
A PA system is set to be erected along Clarinda Street, which will vastly improve the experience of not only the Elvis Festival and Elvis parade but also local events such as the Christmas parade.
Now with Mayor Ken Keith challenging Dubbo’s Mayor Allan Smith to put on his ‘blue suede shoes’ and come join us at next year’s festival in a suit and all, the years to come I’m sure will raise the benchmark.
And with the festival on the nation’s stage – many other towns and festival organisers want to know what Parkes’ secret is.
Parkes Shire Tourism Manager Kelly Hendry says there is no straightforward answer.
No doubt it is the result of the tireless efforts of the Elvis committee and the support from many, but from my observations, I’d have to say the atmosphere that is so uniquely country and “small town” is what makes it.
It would not be the same if the festival
was held in a large populated area, Sydney suburb or along the coast.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter