Lots of of Elvis Presley impersonators paraded down the principle road of Parkes on Saturday, as the agricultural Australian city celebrated 30 years because the host of an Elvis tribute gala that has turn into one of many largest festivals within the nation.
“It is incredible,” Bob Steele, who based the pageant together with his spouse Anne, stated after a dinner that ended with visitors singing Elvis songs properly into the night time.
“Think about reaching 30 years with a pageant, we’re very proud of it.”
The pageant, 350 km north-west of Sydney, takes place yearly in early January, with some 24,000 followers pouring into town that usually hosts round 14,000 folks.
A person in an Elvis Presley-inspired outfit takes half within the Parkes Elvis Pageant parade in Parkes, Australia, on January 7, 2023. (Picture: Reuters)
Along with Elvis tribute acts, the extravaganza, timed to coincide with ‘The King’s’ birthday, contains Elvis artwork and pictures reveals, rock and roll dance classes and Elvis trivia nights.
Whereas Parkes is now often called the Elvis capital of Australia, Steele stated some locals have been initially skeptical of the occasion.
“I keep in mind studying the letters from completely different individuals who wrote within the newspaper saying, ‘why would we honor an American?’ However you’ll be able to see that is fairly foolish now, everybody may be very proud of it as of late,” he informed Reuters.
On this photograph supplied by the Florida Keys Information Bureau, actress Priscilla Presley indicators a portrait of herself created by artist Adam Rote at Key West Gallery, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. (Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys Information Bureau by way of PA)
Saturday’s parade, the climax of the five-day pageant that closes on Sunday, noticed contributors wearing jet-black wigs and jeweled jumpsuits make their manner down the principle road.
Different impersonators joined the colourful procession in classic automobiles.
First-time attendee Carl Upton, who made the journey after shopping for a classic automotive and discovering out it was a two-time pageant prize winner, described the event as “mind-blowing”.
“It has been completely incredible,” he stated.
📣 For extra way of life information, comply with us on Instagram | Twitter | Fb and do not miss the newest updates!