Founders of The Parkes Elvis Festival, Anne and Bob Steel standing in front of the newly built Gates of Graceland.
This year will mark a significant milestone in the Wall of Fame’s history, with the Wall of Fame plaques being relocated from the original wall in Kelly Reserve to the newly built Gates of Graceland, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.
Parkes Shire Council successfully applied for a grant to build the replica Gates of Elvis Presley’s Graceland that would display the plaques and become the new Wall of Fame. In addition, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners will be honoured on the Parkes Elvis Festival Walk of Fame with a Hollywood style star.
The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix caught up with Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel at the new Gates of Graceland, and asked them where the idea for the Wall of Fame originally came from? Bob said, “Husband and wife members of ERI, Laurie and Roma Wicks, suggested we honour an Australian musician each year.”
The Gates of Graceland were constructed thanks to the generosity of local tradesmen and businesses. “The gates were built by Bill Sheriff, the bricks were donated by the Potts Group and laid by John Sullivan and the earthworks and concreting by Ken McGrath,” explained Bob.
“At one point the wall was knocked down by vandals and again, the same group came to our aid to rebuild the wall.”Bob and Anne are very pleased with how the festival has grown. “Every new addition just helps to increase the appeal of the festival,” said Bob. The new attraction is open 365 days a year, free and accessible to all.