John Connell, from Sydney University, and Chris Gibson, from the University of Wollongong, are writing a book about the Festival and how it has put Parkes on the map. 

It should, with luck, be ready for the 25th Anniversary Festival next year.

John and Chris are no strangers to the festival. 

They first came in 2002 when it was just a small event held at Kelly Reserve. 

Overwhelmed by Elvis and Parkes, they have come back  most of the years since then.

They are well known to many people here as they have played a big part in assisting the Festival with carrying out regular surveys of businesses and visitors. 

John Connell said the Festival is a remarkable example of  what a small town can do with three or four people dedicated to achieving success and working hard to make it happen. 

“The message from Parkes is  even if you have something that seems bizarre and irrelevant, it is that quirkiness that might be turned into success,” he said.

And of course Parkes is now such a success that promoters of festivals elsewhere have come to Parkes to look and learn, and discover the secrets. 

John and Chris will be back in Parkes early in March to interview key people who were there at the beginning, and those who have been involved in later years.

“Or at least those we haven’t managed to catch up with previously,” John said. 

They are pretty sure there are many untold stories and wonderful anecdotes that would lend real character to the book.

They would be delighted to hear from anyone with interesting stories to tell, especially from the early days. 

“We would love to hear how your ‘love me tender lamb chops brought in the profits’ or ‘the impersonator who made my day’ or ‘how I made a dozen jumpsuits in a week’ stories,” John said.

They can be contacted at john.connell@sydney.edu.au or by twitter @profcgibson