25 Elvis tribute artists wait to participate in a showcase at Graceland Tuesday Aug. 13, 2013 for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest which begins with the semifinal round at the Cannon Center on Wednesday and concludes with the final round on Saturday night. Additional Elvis Week events continue through Saturday including the annual candle light vigil outside the gates of Graceland on Thursday and performers on multiple stages daily at Graceland. (AP Photo/The Commercial Appeal, Mike Brown)MEMPHIS - Elvis Presley fans from around the world are expected to descend on Graceland for a candlelight vigil on the 36th anniversary of his death.
The vigil is scheduled to begin tonight and continue into Friday morning. Each year, thousands of young and old fans of the late rock 'n' roll icon line up for hours for the opportunity to visit his grave inside the walls of Graceland, his longtime Memphis home.
The vigil started as an informal gathering the year after his death on Aug. 16, 1977. It has blossomed into the highlight of Elvis Week, the annual celebration of all things Elvis in Memphis.
The event also has become an international affair, hosting devotees of Presley's from Japan, Brazil, Germany, England and other foreign countries.