CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: REIMAGINED
The Candlelight Vigil at Graceland, is an annual event that attracts Elvis Presley fans from around the world. This tribute takes place on the evening of August 15th, the day prior to Elvis’ passing. The inaugural candlelight vigil, the creation of the Elvis Country Fan Club, took place on the first anniversary of his passing in 1978. Other fan clubs participate as ‘honor guard’, lining up the driveway as fans make their way up to the mediation garden to pay their respect to Elvis.
“That moment as an Elvis fan is indescribable”
I attended my first candlelight vigil in 1992, coinciding with events that have since evolved into Elvis Week. I had no idea what I was going to experience that night but as the Memphis sun began to set, the crowds on Elvis Presley Boulevard continued to grow. People of all ages, speaking different languages, were dressed in Elvis inspired attire. The boulevard was filled with people as far as the eye could see! With Elvis singing Amazing Grace over the loudspeaker, then in the darkness one by one candles began to be lit, illuminating in the front wall of Graceland. That moment as an Elvis fan is indescribable; a photograph or video cannot capture the profound experience of being there.
After the initial ceremony, the procession on Elvis Presley Boulevard zig zag towards the exterior Graceland wall until reaching the front gates where fans begin the slow journey with candle in hand up the driveway up to the meditation garden. That particular year I reached the mediation garden just after midnight, but the lines continued until the early hours of the morning.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to attend many candlelight vigils in honor and remembrance of Elvis Presley. While these ceremonies are deeply moving and serve as a poignant reminder of the iconic singer, the Memphis heat, especially in August, can pose significant challenges. This was particularly evident on August 15, 2007, when the daytime temperatures in Memphis reached 106 degrees.
By the time the candlelight vigil began, the temperature was still 96 degrees, with the heat index soaring in the high 100’s. For most of our fan club members, waiting in line for the vigil became an insurmountable task. Fortunately, across the street stood the original Graceland Plaza and Graceland Crossing (now Enesco Shop), which provided a welcome respite from the scorching heat.
Last year I attended the candlelight vigil, with the same protocol with fans lining up the boulevard to make their way up the driveway. Candlelight vigil 2024 was once again met with a heat index of 110 degrees, and unfortunately several medical issues arose during the evening. One such incident occurred right in front of us, an elderly lady fainted.
What set this event apart from 2007 was there was no viable escape from the heat. The plaza that was once stood directly on the boulevard had now been replaced by ‘Elvis Presley’s Memphis’ which on this evening is closed. The closest alternative for air condition was to walk back to the Guesthouse about 10 minutes away.
It’s important to recognize that attending the vigil is a profoundly moving experience. Elvis Presley Enterprises has honored the fans with the presence of the Presley family over the years. Additionally, the Elvis Country Fan Club has kept its original concept, which is commendable.
However, times have change and so have the tools and technology since the initial ‘vigil’ concept. It is important to continue to honor Elvis in a traditional format, but it’s equally important to prioritize attendees’ safety. It’s time to reimagine the ‘Candlelight Vigil’ and here’s how I propose doing it.
In this suggested ‘Reimagined’ vigil, the lineup time would get significantly reduced by leveraging smartphone technology. Similar to Graceland tours and event bookings like the free listening events, fans could reserve their vigil participation in advance of Elvis Week, up to the day of the vigil. Essentially, this will become a ‘digital’ ticket and lineup order system for attendees on their smartphones. The digital ticket could provide a group number and an estimated time. For example, ‘Group #27 Estimated 9:45 PM’. This will reduce the number of people waiting in line and allow the line to flow more reasonable up the driveway. A digital sign board located at the line up entrance could indicate which group is allowed to lineup, and attendees would receive a notification on their phone when to lineup.
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The next item would be to utilize the ‘Elvis Presley Memphis’ complex, which includes the Soundstage, Ticket Pavilion and Dining area for fans to utilize during the evening event. The Soundstage would serve as a reflection area for Elvis’ life, with the visual of the vigil proceedings displayed on screen, accompanied by Elvis’ music and special dedication videos. The Ticket Pavilion and Dining areas would be accessible for fans throughout the evening. The Soundstage and Ticket Pavilion digital signage would indicate which group number is permitted to lineup.
As usual, the opening ceremony would commence at the gates of Graceland with Elvis Country and other dignitaries of Graceland, accompanied by the traditional candle lighting ceremony. The ceremony can be conducted without the need to lineup, and for those that prefer they can view the ceremony at the Soundstage facility.
Access between the main ceremony on Elvis Presley Boulevard and the complex would be provided via the pathway past the airplane building and bridge crossing to the complex. Elvis Presley Boulevard would be closed on either end, with access to the complex having its own separate security checkpoint and entrance.
These modification would enhance crowd control and facilitate the smooth flow of people towards the meditation gardens. The opening of the Soundstage with a ‘Memories’ event will captivate fans and offer more personalized experience opportunities. Moreover, it will ensure accessibility and viewing options for individuals with disabilities or those who are unable to walk a long distance.
The anticipated large crowd for the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing in 2027 necessitates consideration for changes that if implemented now would assist in optimize the digital lineup system over the next few years. The increase of new generation Elvis fans and the implementation of technology systems is a perfect match.
Do you think the Vigil needs to be reimagined? Let us know in the comments and what changes you would make.