Pilgrimage to Graceland

The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.: About 8 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 15, there already was a huge crowd around Graceland mansion, Elvis Presley’s home, one of Memphis’ major tourist attractions and the second-most visited home in the country, after the White House.

Those folks were more than likely gearing up for the night’s annual candlelight vigil, which this year commemorated the 35th anniversary of the death of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The vigil was part of Elvis Week, a cornucopia of activities and events celebrating Elvis’ life.

Since Graceland officials set out on the “grand adventure” to turn the mansion into a tourist attraction 30 years ago, president and chief executive officer Jack Soden and his staff have exhibited major enterprise in keeping the Graceland experience energized and fresh; mixing the old with the new.

That’s why an average of some 600,000 tourists a year visit Graceland.

Tourist draw

Judging from the range in the ages of the tourists around Graceland last Wednesday morning, it appears the mansion will continue to be a major tourist draw.