Candlelight tribute tonight at Graceland

The 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death culminates tonight at Graceland mansion.

No official estimates have been made on the number of fans expected to gather on Elvis Presley Boulevard for the annual Candlelight Vigil. But spokesman David Beckwith said Graceland expects a huge turnout.

“Every event we’ve done so far this year has been larger than we ever imagined,” Beckwith said. “Fifteen thousand to twenty thousand people showed up five years ago. This year it’s like a tsunami.”

The event officially begins at 9 p.m. with a brief ceremony paying tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. The candlelight procession threads up the driveway and around the graves of Elvis and his family members.

There is no admission charge to participate. The gates stay open until everyone has gone through.

“We fully expect the sun to be coming up by the time it’s all over,” said Beckwith, who said that five years ago the event ran until 10 a.m. “It’s going to be a long night.”

For those either not willing or able to brave the throngs, portions of the event will be Webcast live on AOL Broadband. After 11 p.m. portions can be downloaded on the Graceland Web site, Elvis.com.

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