TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Cold temperatures could not stop a big party at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Thursday evening.
It was called a "slab party," as the birthplace unveils its latest construction work as part of the multi-million dollar additions.
It's on this piece of slab where one of the largest parts of the over $6 million addition to the Elvis Presley Birthplace will stand.
"This will be a 10,000 square-foot building and will house a theater, a large area for receptions and gatherings, a snack bar and catering area for caterers during receptions," said Dick Guyton, Executive Director for the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation.
Thursday evening's party was held to make people aware of what changes are taking place, and also show them how they can be apart of it all.
"We have about $3.5 million dollars right now and we need $6 million for the project. This party tonight is kind of like a kickoff for our public part of the fundraising" Guyton added.
The area holds special memories for many people especially Elvis fans. One of those is Sue McCasland of Las Vegas.
"My husband and I were the first the be married in the chapel. The dedication was August 17th, 1979 and we were married the next morning. So it's very sentimental," McCasland said.
The state gave almost $3 million to the birthplace for this project while the City of Tupelo provided a twenty-percent match.
Now comes the crucial part of raising the rest before the project is finished.
"Our contractors told us by the first of July they should be finished. Next year is the big year for Elvis' death," Guyton said. "The 35th anniversary, so we're expecting huge crowds in August so we need this facility to take care of those folks."
"Fans are still discovering Tupelo after all these years," McCasland said. "There are many more things now that they will want to come down and be involved with so I am thrilled."
If you would like to donate you can call the birthplace at (662) 841-1245.
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