Fans gather in Tupelo for Elvis Week 2019

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Every year, Tupelo hosts an Elvis Week Fan appreciation.

There are free tours, memorabilia, but most of all stories of how the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life and legacy touched so many.

“Elvis means basically everything, I can’t remember a time in my life that I wasn’t an Elvis fan,” said fan Cassia Dawson.

For 15 years in a row, Dawson has traveled over 2,000 miles from California to celebrate Elvis Presley Week with friends and family.

“To be in the place where he was born is beyond words, just can’t describe,” said Dawson.

Like most people, Dawson found an artist she can connect to, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

“I started when I was 11 and that’s been all the way,” said Dawson.

Dawson said The King’s lyrics and melodies have created memories starting from her childhood and lasting well into her adult years.

She said no matter how her day is going, his music is always there for her.

“If you are down, there are certain songs. If you’re happy there are certain songs. So that’s the nice things, it doesn’t matter what you’re feeling there’s a song there,” said Dawson.

Dawson and other Elvis fans agree, they’re appreciative of the contributions Elvis made to the community.

“People saw him and turned their back on him, they had no idea, you know, that he was going to bring all that to this place, to Tupelo,” said Dawson.

Dawson said the reason she comes back every year is for the times Presley’s music was there for her and her family.

“For the times that I lost loved ones, or the time I’ve gotten married, or the time my son was born. He’s been there for everything,” said Dawson.

For that reason, Dawson says she’ll be back next year.

“Thank you for every single time, see I’m going to end up crying, see thank you for every single time he’s been there,” said Dawson.

Elvis Week will wrap up on August 17.