The view of beautiful parkland and the Mississippi River, with its riverboats, from my hotel room downtown...yet being less than a 10 minute walk to all the “happenings” in downtown Memphis
Thoroughly exploring Beale Street –taking in all the sights and sounds of music.
Checking out the memorabilia dealers at the Ramada Inn on Brooke’s Road–(special thanks to Nella and Brian Allward of King Collectibles for all their help).

The Elvis Fest at the Peabody – more memorabilia dealers, lots of tribute artists and good entertainment including hypnotist Larry Volz who was amazing.

The ETA shows at the New Daisy Theatre (and here is a first hand account from Haley Claxon, who caught the show with Shawn Klush and Ryan Pelton).

Just when I think Shawn Klush can't get any better, he does! His voice was so rich and smooth and the show very high-energy. He sounds and looks so much like Elvis when he's on stage, and his mannerisms and facial expressions truly amaze me. Memphis (and everyone else) definitely loves Shawn. Ryan Pelton "rocked the house" in Memphis -- just ask the security guards who tried to keep the fans out of the aisles and in their seats during his shows. His performance as the young Elvis was filled with such intensity and excitement. It was the first opportunity some of us have had to see him in the "68 Comeback" black leather. All I can say is WOW!!!!!

.Watching ETA’s under the tent at Graceland Crossings–thanks to Danny McCorkle.

Seeing the active Elvis Presley fan clubs, (one example - the EP Continentals from Florida), continuing their tireless work and dedication in taking care of business for Elvis Presley....kudos to you!!!

Eating ice cream and “people watching” at Graceland Plaza – nice to see flags from around the world displayed so prominently too!

The courtesy and friendliness of the “native Memphians”....everywhere I went I felt welcomed to this beautiful city that Elvis loved so much.

Darwin Lamm of Elvis International...The Magazine**** and his volunteers who worked tirelessly all week to provide so much of the entertainment/concerts during the week. Thanks also to all the other entertainers and the unsung heroes who worked behind the scenes at venues and other establishments throughout the city of Memphis and who helped to make Elvis Week such a success.

**** Be sure to check out the October edition of Darwin Lamm’s “Elvis International...The Magazine” for full coverage of Elvis Week 2002.

OTHER SIGHTS, SOUNDS, HIGHLIGHTS

The Free Walk Up at Graceland Fans can roam through the grounds, go to the meditation garden, pay their respects, and take in a serenity, beauty, and peacefulness that is hard to find elsewhere during Elvis Week. This was a special and unexpected highlight of my entire week...it didn’t cost anything, no-one was trying to hustle souvenirs, there was a small group of quiet and sincere fans, and it really signified the true meaning of Elvis Week to me...thanks to EPE for providing these free walk ups and for realizing how special it is for fans to be able to pay their respects to Elvis without all the fanfare and hoopla in the background.

Seeing the gates of Graceland again, along with the tour of Graceland Mansion.

Meeting fans and ETA’s from all over the world – Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Japan, South America, Australia, England, Scotland ... and of course from all over Canada and the US.

Eating gumbo and sweet potato pie at BB Kings on Beale Street; taking the Main Street trolley; going to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Restaurant; seeing the Peabody Ducks; meeting Bernard Lansky at Lansky’s clothing store; taking the Sun Studio shuttle to Graceland and back...all of us squashed in like sardines in a can, but having great fun!

Seeing ETA’s Mike Albert, Arik Christopher, Quentin Flagg, Kavan, Jamie Aaron Kelley, David King, Vince Anthony Rosso, Sterling, Chris Drummond from Australia, Carlos from Spain, and meeting entertainer Eddie Maguire from Ireland at the gates of Graceland!!