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Cooke Park, the centre of celebrations for the 22nd annual NSW TrainLink Parkes Elvis Festival, kicks off at 9am today with three full days of free entertainment for festival goers with music by “The Fourcasters”.
This fabulous five piece local Parkes band have been the “house” band for the festival for the past seven years and thousands of visitors have been delighted by their performances.
Also performing throughout the day will be the bands “Grumpy Old Men” and “Amitie”.
There will be walk-up performances by Elvis tribute artists throughout the day.
At 4:30pm the Junior and Senior competitions in the Rock n Roll dancing will take to the stage.
Both young and old dancers will amaze the audience with their gyrations and exacting skills as they rock their way through all the toe tapping favourites in a fast and colourful display.
Following the competition the dance floor will be open to all those wanting to get up to “bop” and “boogie”.
Friday evening at 7pm, the very popular Pink Chevys will take to the stage for the first of two free concerts over the weekend.
Their super charged and high energy big band sound will have you bouncing and clapping with lots of Elvis favourites plus every big hit of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Bring your chair, some mossie protection and settle down for a great nights entertainment.
Following the NorthParkes Mines Street Parade on Saturday morning, there will be an official opening ceremony rung in with Town Crier Tim Keith and a welcome by the Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith who will formally introduce VIP guest, Ms Cynthia Pepper to the crowd.
From 12 noon, the always popular Elvis and Priscilla Look-a-like and junior Elvis Idol competitions will be run.
At 2pm the Senior “Tribute to Elvis” competition will begin, which is a not to be missed competition showcasing some of the best aspiring Elvis tribute artists throughout the country.
From 4pm the winners of the competitions will be announced and the winner of the Senior “Tribute to Elvis” competition will perform with “The Fourcastors”.
5pm will again see flashing “blue suede shoes” as the Showcase and Open Rock n Roll Dance competitors hit the floor for this fast paced and acrobatic competition.
Following the conclusion of the competition, the floor will be open for audience participation.
Dean Rias and his Elvis In The Movies Show is the Cooke Park concert for Saturday night and sure to be a real winner.
Expect songs from this years movie theme “Kissin Cousins” and the hits from many of Elvis’s other movies.
Sunday morning will start with musical entertainment on the stage from 9am.
The romantic Renewal of Vows ceremony will take place at 11.30am.
Each year more and more couples chose to take part in this fun but moving ceremony conducted by celebrant Andrew Appleby.
After pledging their love the 2014 NSW TrainLink Parkes Elvis Festival participants will be serenaded by Keno Feature Concert Artist Mark Andrew prior to cutting their mass wedding cake, having photos taken and receiving their certificate.
Definitely an event not to be missed.
From 12:30pm, the “Winners Circle” begins by announcing the winners of the Rock n Roll Dancing.
The top three buskers as voted by the public will compete before judges for the Buskers Award sponsored by ClubsNSW.
The major raffle “Rock the Boat” cruise will be drawn and awards for Best Shop Window, Best Float, Best Dressed Staff will also be announced.
Finally, performances by three Elvis Tribute Artists who were winners in the performance categories will take place at 3.45pm to officially close the festival.
As always the park will be alive with the many market vendors that are a great part of the friendly, fun atmosphere of the festival.
Here you will find a wide variety of food stalls, drinks, lollies and merchandise catering to every desire.
Look for the information tent and areas set aside for event registrations and raffle ticket sales.
There are first aid stations located in the park and stations to supply sun screen and water.
Wheelchair access and disability seating is available near the stage area
For more information visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au or contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000.
