Just ask 17-year-old Kelly Yoon, who in the months leading up to and during the 2017 festival, volunteered to help out wherever she was needed.

She had just finished Year 12 at Parkes High School and with almost four months of free time up her sleeve until she started university in Sydney, she had time to kill.

“I hadn’t been involved with the Parkes Elvis Festival before because I’ve never really been around for it,” Kelly said.

“I was interested to see what it was like and I thought ‘why not?’ It was a great opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills.

“...And it was something I could put on my resume.”

Kelly was one of the youngest this year to volunteer at the festival, which every year attracts about 100 generous helpers to look after 25,000 visitors.

For a few days a week from 10am until 3pm for two or three months before the festival and during the event’s five days in January, Kelly worked across a variety areas.

She worked at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre answering phone inquiries and sought accommodation availabilities in nearby towns, she packed visitor kits for those aboard the Elvis Express and volunteer kits, and worked in Elvis Central – the official outlet for festival merchandise and souvenirs.

“It was really fun, I was able to see how the planning came together, which was interesting,” Kelly said.

And the age difference between volunteers, Kelly said, didn’t phase her because she could rely on their experience from previous festivals to help her when she was stuck.

“Everyone was really friendly, I made new friends,” she said.

Kelly’s considering volunteering again for next year’s festival – although not able for the same length of time – and she has some advice for others who may be thinking about helping out.

“I think it’s a real good opportunity, especially for school leavers,” she said.

“They have such a big break and a lot of time, it’s good to be more involved and excited about the festival.

“Not too many locals get involved but it’s really good for our town and the region.

“I think we should be proud of it and be part of it.”

Elvis Festival volunteers – who are sponsored by the Central West Credit Union – can help out for fun or for skills development, be it in event management, marketing, media management or stage production.

Various positions are available ranging from just a few hours during the event to ongoing roles before and after the festival.

Those interested can download a volunteer registration form here.

Volunteer induction nights will take place on November 13 at 6pm in the Parkes Shire Council Chambers and December 4 at 6pm in the Parkes Library.