24 Hours of Elvis: 10:45 p.m. - The Candle Light Vigil

24 Hours of Elvis: 10:45 p.m. - The Candle Light Vigil

It's officially the end of Elvis Week 2011, and the closing ceremonies are underway.

Every year, Elvis week is punctuated with the candle light vigil at Graceland. The street is shut down, shrines are set up, candles are lit, and Elvis' gospel classics are played. The vibe is part barbecue block party, part funeral. Tonight, more than 20,000 people are at Graceland, waiting patiently in line (sometimes for hours) to file past Elvis' grave site.

Here are some photos from the 34th annual Candle Light Vigil:

Shrine, Candle Light Vigil, Graceland, Memphis, Tenn.

If there was an award for "most flammable" shrine, I think this one would have to be the winner. Call it burning love, I guess:

Burning Love, Graceland, Memphis, Tenn.

This house-shaped shrine was one of my favorites:

House Shrine, Memphis, Tenn.

I was surprised by how many people I saw at the vigil in costume. It's a fairly sedate, quiet affair, and I wasn't sure that it was appropriate to come dressed as Elvis. I suppose it is, based on the sheer number of people I saw paying sartorial homage.

Elvis, Candle Light Vigil, Memphis, Tenn.

Elvis, Candle Light Vigil, Memphis, Tenn.

The shrines ranged from the simple  (handfuls of candles on aluminum foil, cheeseburger wrappers, chalk drawings) to the elaborate (complete with photos, stuffed bears and an inexplicable toy horse).

Shrine, Graceland, Memphis, Tenn.

Shrine, Graceland, Memphis, Tenn.

It's hard to tell from this photo, but the line to go to the grave was crazy long. The line of light that you see is people that have gotten through the gates and gotten a candle, but haven't made it up the driveway.

Candle Light Vigil, Graceland, Memphis, Tenn.

The candle light vigil is going on until every one that wants to visit the grave has had a chance to. Usually, it lasts until about 5 a.m., so if you'd like to go, you've still got plenty of time. Parking is free at Graceland.

Go There:

Candle Light Vigil

Graceland

3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38116

(901) 332-3322

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lynda
Hope everyone enjoys the Elvis Week - I am sure it gives an insight into a fine performer. Plan to go next year, 2012. He touched people's heart in a special way to have this event continue on 34 years after his death. His music and movies make so many people happy still to this day. It is a phenomenon.
August 16, 2011 12:30am
antoinette
it is still very hard to say rest in peace elvis 34 years had passed but it seems like yestarday .we still love your music ,and your still the great ,love from malta
August 16, 2011 2:24am
Dan K.
I love his songs he is always the king of rock .
August 16, 2011 9:21am
Sam Crespo
Kerry, Loved the Elvis coverage. I did a tribute as well in my latest video for DiscoverAmerica.com: http://youtu.be/HhegvpK2Rq4
August 16, 2011 11:07am
Zenifer Dsouza
Lovely blog on Vigil candles Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing. Good job Keep sharing more and more.
August 17, 2011 8:35am
Elvis Romania
I love ELVIS Forever, best singer ever!!!
April 12, 2012 3:31am
Joseph Milazzo
I sing very closed to Elvis's voice. I do Elvis shows in La.  I'd like to sing at Graceland one day.  I have beautiful costumes and all the Elvis songs he recorded.  People here in La. loves my show.  Is there anyway I can do a show at Graceland? Thanks, Joe Milazzo   Cell Phone:  337-501-1097
August 12, 2012 1:51pm