Thousands of Elvis Presley fans honored the music legend the night before the official anniversary of his death Thursday according to foxnews.com.
"Where else can you go where you meet people from year to year who have the same passion?" Hartford, Wis. pre-school teacher Christine Jeffords told Fox News. "If you were sad or happy or whatever, he was such a big part of your life. I always felt in my heart that he was a good person, a beautiful person."
The event began as an unofficial gathering at Mediation Garden where the singer is buried in his hometown of Graceland, Tenn. when he died August 16, 1977 of a heart attack after struggling with prescription drug abuse and has since become a major attraction for tourists Fox News reported.
Presley's mother, father, and grandmother are also buried at the location according to Fox News.
The night also honors Presley's popularity throughout the world as it attracts fans from Australia, Brazil, England, and Japan among others. Several flower wreaths and pictures surrounded his grave. Shadows from nearby candles waved in the wind on a stonewall at the garden Fox News reported.
Fans began to flock to the outer parts of the property 12 hours prior to the vigil, many of whom were expected to remain until early Friday Fox News reported.
Each year, Memphis comes alive for the singer with "Elvis Week," which celebrates his life and career. The vigil is a favorite among visitors Fox News reported.
According to Fox News, 75,000 people attended last year's event where Presley's ex-wife Priscilla, and his daughter Lisa Marie Presley addressed the crowd. It was the only time the two made a appearance since the commemoration began. Numbers this year were estimated at 35,000.
Special this year to the occasion, which ends Saturday, is a listening party at Stax Records for a three-CD box set entitled "Elivs at Stax," performances by tribute artists, and a showing of "Aloha from Hawaii."
