What's On Archives - Page 25 of 35

Mark Andrew Celebrates Success Story

January 4, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Catch Mark Andrew at his shows (ticketed) upstairs at the Parkes Services Club backed by the Dave Hart Band on Friday, 6th January at 12:30 pm, and Sunday, 8th January at 4pm. He will also be performing his Legends Showcase in Cooke Park (free events).

Mark Andrew’s versatile talent has been on show at the Parkes Elvis Festival for many years as an Elvis Tribute Artist, but also with his signature show ‘Legends Showcase’ where he performs tributes to Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Austin Powers, Elvis and Buddy Holly.

You have become synonymous with the Parkes Elvis Festival returning year after year. What makes you come back every time? I hold the feature artists record for six times, and now I headline every year as I am respected amongst the fans and the festival.

Why do you think the festival has kept on growing for 30 years? Because Elvis fans love an Elvis festival and Parkes have created one of the best in the world!

What do you like the most about the festival and about performing here? I think if you are an Elvis specialist you have to be involved and it’s the place where everyone comes together from all parts of the Southern Hemisphere and even Japan.

Do you keep in contact with the fans you’ve met at the Parkes Elvis Festival? I have over 30k followers on social media and that’s a great way to keep in touch!

What do you look forward to at the 30th Parkes Elvis Festival? The celebration of the success story. At first the locals hated it but now it sets up the town economically for the whole year!

What can fans look forward to in your shows? I’m an authentic performer actor. I channel the character and go 110%. I’ve studied more than just Elvis and enjoy bringing to life these legends.

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? Too many to choose but American Trilogy has to be one of my faves.

How It All Started… Roel Ten Cate Remembers

January 4, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Roel Ten Cate wearing his journalist hat at the arrival of the Elvis Express in 2014. (Photo: Keith Turk)

You had a direct input into the start of the festival, but can you tell us how it all came about? The festival actually came about after a party my family held at Gracelands. We had a great time dancing and singing, and Elvis music was a big part of that. After the party, we were having a few drinks of red wine with Bob Steel, who owned Gracelands and was serving us all night. We thought having a party for Elvis would be quite a hit.

After the first festival, did you ever imagine it would grow this big? The first party did work well, but mainly with devoted Elvis fans – not many of them from here, and quite a few travelling from around. The following early years were rough in terms of numbers, and local interest, but it just kept on going. But never in a million years did anyone think for one moment it would get to 30 years with 25,000 visitors, five days of events totalling more than 200, and $15 million injection into the economy.

What are your fondest memories of the past 29 years? Fondest memories are hard to pinpoint because I have enjoyed every festival. Meeting visitors to our town and seeing them having such a great time – and then returning each year with even more in their party. Meeting some of the key men and women in Elvis’s life over the years including his manager and one of his closest friends, Joe Esposito, who organised the Elvis Comeback Special. I also met some of his leading ladies and last year, Elvis’s road manager.

What do you think the festival has meant for our community? The festival has had an enormous influence on Parkes. We were always known as the town with the big dish, but now world-wide, we are also known as the town that hosts Elvis. In recent years, there have been more than 300,000 news reports each year about the festival world-wide. That’s not bad publicity for our great little town. Not to mention the $15 million it generates for our economy each year – and the people who have actually moved here because of the festival.

Is there one memory that really stands out for you? Probably one of the fondest memories was only recently when I helped to judge the Elvis Tribute Artists competition – and Toki Toyokazu from Japan won it – unbelievable!

What do you look forward to at the festival every year? I just love every aspect of the festival but probably more than anything else, the obvious enjoyment everyone is having. You can see people dancing, singing, laughing…they’re just so happy enjoying themselves. Of course, the artists are a big attraction – I have seen every feature artist we have had – not to mention the street parade (and taking part in it as well!), a drinks crawl to every establishment listening to the in-house artists, the arrival of the Elvis Express, the tribute artists competition… the list just doesn’t end!

Anything else you would like to say? It is hard to imagine the reception locals gave the Elvis concept and festival all those 30 years ago. It was cringeworthy, they said, we’re leaving town, this is embarrassing, but now locals thoroughly endorse and support it so much that they are inviting people into their homes just to ensure they have a bed so they can come. The Blue Hawaii theme is the most popular of the lot – and it is the theme for this year so it should be a fantastic festival. I can’t wait.

30th Anniversary Of Parkes Elvis Festival

January 4, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dean Z will undoubtedly delight crows at the years Feature Concert Series.

Celebrating 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’, Parkes Elvis Festival has a bumper anniversary program of Elvis and Blue Hawaii themed events, jam-packed with concerts, parades, markets, competitions, car displays and a whole lotta fun for locals to enjoy.

This year, the Feature Concert Series will see Dean Z and Victor Trevino Jr, two of the world’s best Elvis Tribute Artists, entertain crowds across each day of the Festival.

Fans will be treated to free concerts on the Cooke Park Main Stage including Brazilian Elvis Tribute Artist Diogo Light headlining on Thursday night. Catch Damian Mullin, Mark Andrew and Diogo on the Friday night; and on Saturday night, Jack Gatto celebrates the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert with a special recreation of the concert.

Ross Wilson will be inducted to the Elvis Wall of Fame on Wednesday at Kelly Reserve and at the new time of 10am. Following that, the Eagle Rock-ing music legend will be joined by Brian Cadd, Normie Rowe and Joe Camilleri in a special 30th anniversary concert.

The Movie & Memorabilia Collection will have displays of photos, costumes, and some treasures from the Parkes Elvis Festival archives. See props from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie along with the Elvis – Direct from Graceland exhibition. It’s open every day from 9-5pm and is free located at 375 Clarinda Street.

The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns, with 19 leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and abroad battling it out at Parkes Leagues Club in the heats and finals. See a free performance by the winner at 2pm Sunday on the Cooke Park Main Stage.

Fans can enjoy returning favorite events including the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner and Northparkes Mines Street Parade. The Renewal of Vows ceremony has moved to Generosity Church and Elvis Poets’ Breakfast is now at the Services Club.

If you are feeling adventurous Climb Me a Mountain Rock Climbing, Rock-A-Hula Dragon Boating, Slicin’ Sand Croquet and a new stretch and strengthen class to the ballads of Elvis. Thrill seeking fans of The King can also skydive at Parkes Airport.

Full program details at parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Movies & Memorabilia Collection To Feature Original Movie Props

January 4, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The very first street parade in 1993 with Tiffany Steel in front. At the back are Elvis Lennox, John Lovett and Fiona Lovett with Andrew behind the wheel of Bob Steel’s Model A Ford.

Parkes Elvis Festival is proud to launch the Movies & Memorabilia Collection which will have props from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, and elements from the Elvis – Direct from Graceland exhibition in Bendigo plus history of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Take a nostalgic stroll down the 30-year historical path of the Parkes Elvis Festival. See memorabilia from the early days, photographs, newspaper clippings and some items from the Parkes Elvis Festival archives that have never been on display.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Parkes is now home to an impressive recreation of the Graceland Mansion’s portico and giant ELVIS letters that were a part of the jumpsuit display.

You’ll also see the world’s largest hound dog and doghouse, mirrors from the Carnival scenes where Colonel Tom Parker pledged his commitment to supporting Elvis’ fledging career, a recreation of the Graceland ‘Jungle Room’, and posters and paraphernalia from the International Casino’s launch of Elvis’ residency from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film thanks to Warner Bros.

The Movies & Memorabilia collection is located at 375 Clarinda Street and is open 9am – 5pm daily throughout the Festival and free.

Proudly sponsored by Bogan Gate Pub. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Plenty Of Holiday Fun At The Parkes Radio Telescope

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

THE DISH…The Parkes Radio Telescope is located 20km north of Parkes on the Newell Highway.

The January School holidays are just around the corner, and the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, Murriyang will be hosting Astronomy Talks each weekday at 11am from Monday, 9th January through to Friday, 27th January 2023.

There will be three different CSIRO astronomers presenting talks, providing a rare opportunity to speak with a real astronomer and ask them your space questions.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be booked online at https://parkesdishshop.com/products/school-holiday-talks, by calling the Visitors Centre on 6861 1777 or in person at the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre.

All ages are welcome to attend. It is an out-of-this-world school holiday activity so be sure to head along!

Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to check out the 3D Theatre (admission applies). The half-hour show is currently showing “Expedition Earth”, “Parkes – Beyond the Barrier” and “Bigger than Big.”

While there, enjoy lunch or refreshments at the famous Dish Café. The kids can have some fun and explore the newly opened space playground just across from the café. There are also many hands-on displays to provide endless fun for all ages.

If you are visiting during the 2023 Elvis Festival, don’t miss the daily science fun shows at 1:30pm.

These free, one-hour shows un by Fizzics Education are sure to blow your mind. This outdoor event, right in front of the Dish, will be perfect for families or anyone with an enquiring mind.

The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre will be open daily throughout the school holidays from from 8:30am – 5pm, except for Christmas day and Boxing day.

Let’s Make It A Christmas Of Kindness

December 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Spread kindness this Christmas.

Just when we started thinking 2022 might get a better rating than the previous two years, the widespread flood disaster uprooted and traumatised so many people across our region.

The outpouring of support, kindness and generosity by community members has been phenomenal, but Christmas is still going to be very tough for so many.

There are lots of ways we can all do our little bit to make this festive season a bit more joyous for those have been affected by this catastrophe.

Here are some suggestions of where you can contribute. And remember to do all your Christmas shopping local to support our businesses.

• Forbes Shire Council has set up a GIVIT donation page to match you up with people who need help. There is a need for food vouchers at the moment. If you want to donate go to www.givit.org.au/donate-items. If you need help call 1300 585 054 or email givit@forbes.nsw.gov.au

• Eugowra GIVIT applications for help or to donate can be directed to www.visiteugowra.com.au/contact

• Forbes Central Butchery has a Christmas Wishing Tree, and Be Cafe in Parkes (formally Pink Orchid Cafe) is a drop off point for presents wrapped with an age and gender. The presents will be distributed to kids, big and small, from Eugowra, Forbes and Bedgerabong.

• Big W is bringing back the Giving Tree initiative at all its branches to support families in need and help spread joy this Christmas. Customers are invited to donate a gift until Christmas Eve. Unwrapped gifts including books, toys, stationery, puzzles or games, can be placed under the Giving Tree. The Parkes store will be matched with a local charity to ensure each donation is delivered to members of the community that need it most.

• Woolworths Parkes and Forbes in partnership with OzHarvest are joining branches across the country to help raise the equivalent of 7 million meals for those in need. Simply round up your supermarket shop to the nearest dollar while in store, or by adding a 50 cent token to your basket until 25th December.

By Maggi Barnard

Let The Festive Fun Begin

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Get ready to delight in the fun and entertainment tonight from 5pm in Templar and Rankin Streets.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring some festive cheer to the community, with the annual Forbes Christmas Carnival being held from 5pm today, 9th December.

“There will be market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines, jumping castles, merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food will be provided by lcal businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site,” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber.

The carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar and in Rankin Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning.

“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a celebration after the serious weather that the district has experienced recently. There will be so much to see and do, such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus,” said Aaron.

Entertainment and music will be on the stage located at the junction of the two streets.

Thanks to the many people who have offered to assist and participate. Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to bring the Christmas spirt alive in Forbes.

Five $500 draws have already taken place, with three of the lucky winners being: Lisa Grayson, John Slessor and Susan Earl. People are encouraged to keep clicking on the QR code every time they purchase at a participating business to go in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed outside participating businesses.

National Theatrical Release For Forbes Filmmaker

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Fresh off the back of winning Best Thriller at the Montreal Independent Film Festival in September, the new action, home invasion thriller called Avarice, is set for a nation-wide theatrical release on 8th December.

Co-written by Forbes local Dane Millerd (There’s Something In the Pilliga), former resident Adam Enslow, along with acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Slattery and film director John V. Soto (The Gateway), Avarice has been picked up in markets across the world and is currently number one in Austria and Germany.

For Dane Millerd, the journey as well as the reception to the film has been incredible. “When you see the film, it is easy to understand why the feedback has been so overwhelmingly positive,” Dane said.

Screening in Reading Cinemas across Australia, Avarice is a slick production filmed during the height of the pandemic in 2021 in Western Australia with a small but extremely capable cast and crew and was made for over $AU2 million. It was also an official selection at Western Australia’s CineFest Oz and the London Director Awards.

Starring Gillian Alexy (The Americans, Damages and McLeod’s Daughters) and old McLeod’s cast mate Luke Ford (Animal Kingdom, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Underbelly)

Find It In AMAZING Forbes

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The trees aren’t out yet, but Find It In AMAMZING Forbes begins on 14th November. Each participating business will have a timber Christmas tree at the front of their front door when the flood water recedes.

Aaron Acheson of the Forbes Business Chamber said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year.”

The draws will begin on Thursday, 17th November with the first $500 being electronically drawn. All you need to do is scan the QR Code and fill in the details. There are 7 x $500 prizes until Christmas Eve and then 10 X $500, 1 x $1,500, 2 x $2,500 and 1 x $5000 will be drawn on 24th December.

Major sponsors and participants: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber; Gold Sponsor – Bernardis, Silver Sponsors – Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix; Bronze Sponsors – Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights.

“All the sponsor businesses will have a QR code for you to scan when you shop in their business. For those who don’t have a phone there will be a sign-on-sheet.”

Participating businesses: All of the above plus Acheson’s Mitre 10, Allure On Main, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organics, Bowns Sports Power, Bron’s Hair Design, ChapterTwo, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Small Engines, HelloWorld, Hozpots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Place, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extra’s Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, McMillian Industries, News On Rankin, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.

Supporting businesses have again come forward and continue to promote and support the Find It In Forbes Promotion and Christmas Carnival. “A huge thanks to Chudleigh and Dobell, Forbes Livestock, MBC, Michael Robinson & Co., Central West Diesel and Woolerina.

With many events cancelled and excess water everywhere causing huge stress to businesses and the community. We hope that the Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion and Christmas Carnival will bring some fun and happiness to all,” said Aaron Acheson.

The Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 9th December from 5 – 9pm.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au.

YOUTH VOICES

Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX

Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov

from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh

Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au

Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101

Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

YOUTH VOICES

FRIDAY FLICKS

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

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