Since last week Parkes is no longer just home to the famous Elvis Festival, it can also boast to having the best festival in NSW! The Parkes Elvis Festival was named the best festival at the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards at a gala celebration held at Luna Park in Sydney last Thursday. Festival Director, Cathy Treasure, said it was an amazing year for the Festival, having taken out the Festivals and Events category at the 2016 Regional Tourism Awards and more recently, the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Awards.
“This is the third award the 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival has won this year, which is recognition of all the hard work and dedication of our fantastic volunteers, supporters and staff who have made the Festival what it is today. “It’s exciting for all those involved, especially as we prepare to celebrate the Festival’s 25th Anniversary in just six weeks’
time,” Cathy said.
Parkes Elvis Festival was one of eight finalists in the Festivals and Events category competing with huge events like New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour, Taste Riverina Festival, Boggabri Drovers Campfire, Canowindra Balloon Challenge, Deni Ute Muster, The Wingham Akoostik Music Festival and Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said it was a fantastic achievement for a community generated event. Parkes Elvis Festival will now progress to the national level at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin on Friday, 24th February 2017.