Elvis Week 2002

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Aug 13, 2002

ELVIS WEEK 2002

While I'm sitting here just reading and writing about all the happenings in Memphis, so many of the readers and my friends, are making Memphis "THE" place to be this week!

Everyone is delighted to be in Memphis during this week of celebrating Elvis' life after his passing 25 years ago. The energy is high, spirits are up and friendships abound during this yearly event. The only dark cloud that hangs over everyone comes the night of the 15th. What is known, as the "Candlelight Vigil" will give Elvis' fans a time to place a flower or a candle on the King's gravesite. Many will be marking this 25th year anniversary eve standing in a line that starts to form early in the morning.
By 9:00 pm, the opening ceremonies begin and the torches are lit. Elvis music is piped out into the streets, reminding everyone their reason for being in Memphis at this time. Standing in front of his stately home are thousands of people who will soon walk through the famous gates, receive a white candle, lighting it from the torch and slowly proceed up the long black driveway, then winding their way down into the back where Elvis and his family are laid to rest. The procedure of making it to the back of the mansion is time consuming. The long line holds hundreds of anxious fans waiting their turn to take the walk. Often during these five-year major anniversaries, there are too many fans and not enough hours. Many disappointed fans will have their heart broken when the security staff secure and lock the gates at 6 AM to prepare for the days tours.

During the week leading up to that time, your eyes can land on an ETA at an average of every 1-2 minutes. If not an ETA, then you'll see people that are dressing the part. There is a strong dress code in Graceland and on the mansion grounds; they really prefer that people dress accordingly. To dress like Elvis (especially in a jumpsuit)during that time at Graceland is grounds for removal.

Down the street at another spot called Graceland Crossing, ETA's are also not permitted to wear a jumpsuit or similar clothing when they go on stage. This spot is a busy little souvenir dream area, similar to a small mall and is just a quick walk down the street from Graceland. It becomes home to thousands of people who will sit under a big tent in the middle of the parking lot; soaking wet with humidity, listening to entertainers and wanna-be's belt out our favourite Elvis tunes.