By Kyra Gillespie
The loss of a loved one took a Pakenham man on a 1300 kilometre journey to the famous Parkes Elvis Festival, held on January 9 to 13 2019.
Craig Magrath embarked on the mammoth road trip from his Pakenham home to central west New South Wales on Sunday 6 January, stopping first in Sydney to pick up friend and “Elvis Twin” Peter Allan, in honour of his late sister Tracey Magrath who passed away suddenly over Easter last year.
Among the many passions held by his sister, one of her greatest was Elvis Presley; she had a room devoted entirely to the musician in her Howey Road home in Pakenham, and her first dog Ellie was named after Elvis.
This would have been Tracey’s tenth consecutive year attending the festival with long-time friends Dianne Henwood and Marj Adams.
“Tracey was an Elvis tragic, which most locals knew. From about two years old one of our family friends got her bopping to Elvis and that was it – she loved him from then on,” Mr Magrath said.
“As a teenager she had her walls painted purple and had purple carpet – Presley Purple – Elvis’s favourite colour. In August 2017 she fulfilled her dream with Di and Marj and they went on a bus tour with the acclaimed entertainer Mark Andrew to Memphis Graceland on the 40th anniversary of The King’s death. Mark was also a surprise guest and entertainer for her 40th birthday in 2002 at the Pakenham Bowls Club.
“I told Tracey last year that I would come with her for her tenth year, and she was so excited. When she passed away I decided I was still going regardless.”
To mark the occasion, friend Dianne Henwood made a poster featuring a photograph of Tracey at the Parkes Elvis Festival, which Craig then took around the festival.
“Di suggested she make a life-sized poster to take to the festival – we kept it a secret right up until I arrived. It was emotional for mum when I showed her. It was a good way to do a tribute to Tracey.”
Now in its 27th year, the five-day festival continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors from interstate and abroad, many who hold a lifelong passion for the music legend.
Mr Magrath said he was “blown away” by the festival and the people he met there.
“I was honestly blown away; I couldn’t believe how big it was! I now understand why my beautiful sister was so keen to never miss the festival; it was not only because of her love for Elvis, but also the love she was surrounded by once there.”
The MacRae family, who live in Parkes, were an integral part of Tracey, Di and Marj’s annual pilgrimage to the festival.
“The MacRae’s have hosted them in Parkes for the last six years; they are an amazing family.”
Mr Magrath was astounded by the responses received on social media.
“I don’t post much on Facebook, but I was so overwhelmed by the amount of people who responded to my photos online. It just shows how much she was loved,” he said through tears.
“I already have a few mates who are interested in going back, so it’s a possibility that the tradition will continue on.
“Rest in Peace my sister, I hope I made you proud.”
