As Parkes’ one and only Elvis Tribute Artist crooned the first notes of Return to Sender, the Parkes Boppers jumped up and started dancing. This is how the Elvis festivities kicked off in Parkes on Monday with a celebration of The King’s 83rd birthday in Cooke Park.
The Parkes Boppers, a group of local children aged six to 15, showed off more of their rock ‘n roll dancing skills they had rehearsed over the festive holiday, and Barry Green kept the Elvis songs coming with Viva Las Vegas setting the tone for the party.
The event was organised by Elvis Revival Inc, the Parkes Elvis Festival founding committee and a small band of volunteers. It was also the first opportunity for locals to see the new Elvis statue and many took the opportunity to do the pose for a photo.
A big birthday cake was cut and shared among everyone.
By Maggi Barnard