#maybe at the Memphis Fairgrounds?

[hooked-on-elvis]

[venus-haze]

Funnel of Love (Austin!Elvis x Plus Size!Reader)

Summary: Your well-meaning friends convince you to go to the county fair with them. You’re not sure you’ll have a good time, until you find out your friend Elvis will be there on one of his rare weekends off from touring. As the night goes on, you finally realize that he wants to be more than friends.

Note: This is based on an anonymous request. The reader is plus size and a woman, but no other specific descriptors are used. Inspired by the Wanda Jackson song (also Wanda and Elvis toured together [and dated!] early on in their careers, and he convinced her to switch from singing country to the rockabilly she became best known for. Her version of ‘Let’s Have a Party’ is also in Dead Poets Society. I’m a huge fan of hers but I’ll stop now lol). Do not interact if you are under 18 or post ED/thinspo content.

Word count: 2.3k

Warnings: None.

If you were being honest, you felt as though you were a little too old to be spending a Saturday night at the county fair with your friends. Yet, after unsuccessfully trying to convince them to go to one of Memphis’ many nightclubs instead, you found yourself squeezed in your friend Tina’s boyfriend’s car with half a dozen other people on the short drive to the fairgrounds from Tina’s place.

The car was starting to feel claustrophobic in the fifteen minutes it took to get to the fair, and you didn’t hesitate to jump out as soon as it was parked, barely paying attention to Tina mentioning that a few other friends were meeting you there. She rattled off a handful of names, and you perked up when she mentioned Elvis, since you hadn’t seen him in a few weeks.

It always amazed you how the otherwise unassuming field that served as the county fairgrounds could be transformed into something so unrecognizable and almost magical. Okay, so maybe you weren’t too old for the fair, the scent of fried food and sound of the carnival rides bringing back nostalgic memories. It still wasn’t at the top of the list for how you wanted to spend your Saturday night.

As soon as you and your friends approached the entrance to the fair, you saw Elvis waiting by the ticket booth with Scotty and Bill. You didn’t see much of them on the weekends anymore since they were busy touring. Sometimes Elvis would call or write to you while he was on the road, and you thought it was nice of him to keep in touch. You heard rumblings among your friends about Elvis’ recording contract getting picked up by RCA, but you wanted to hear the news from the man himself.

“You didn’t tell me Y/N was gonna be here,” Elvis hissed at Bill, trying to find some reflective surface to check his hair as you approached.

Bill merely snickered in response at his friend’s reaction to seeing you. Everyone knew Elvis had a thing for you, well, everyone except you, apparently. You were either too oblivious or too stubborn to realize it, and unfortunately Elvis took this to mean you weren’t interested, though he still pined after you. He knew the Colonel said that appearing to be available to fans would help his career, but he couldn’t help how his stomach flipped whenever he was around you.

“Y/N, you look great,” Elvis said, immediately wanting to smack himself upside the head for not coming up with something better to say.

To his relief, your pretty face lit up at the compliment. “Thanks, you too.”

Elvis hung around you while you all ambled around the fairgrounds, checking out the rides and stopping to get food every so often. After about half an hour, you all decided to split up to go on the rides and play the games you wanted to, and then to meet up by the ferris wheel before the fair was over to head home together. As it turned out, you and Elvis ended up being your own group of two. Not that you minded, you always enjoyed Elvis’ company.

You knew you were probably exhausting him with questions about life on the road, but the thought of traveling as much as he did fascinated you. Still, he regaled you with stories of roaring crowds and being run out of towns you’d never even heard of before. When he asked you questions about your job, you had no problem telling him your own stories about the crazy customers you encountered at the shop you worked in. 

The two of you meandered for some time, watching people play some of the games that were set up at the fair. You smiled when a man won a large teddy bear for his date, who accepted with a laugh at how it was almost as big as she was. Elvis didn’t miss your reaction to the exchange. It couldn’t be that hard to win you a prize and make you smile like that.

“C’mon, I’m gonna win you somethin’,” he said, pulling you over to the balloon darts game. 

The back of the stall was covered in balloons of various colors, but to win a prize, you needed to pop at least two of the same color balloon. For a dime, you could get three darts, winning one of the larger prizes for popping three same-colored balloons. You and Elvis quickly realized that this was easier said than done as seventy cents later, he’d been unsuccessful.

“I think it’d just be cheaper to go to the store and buy one at this point,” you said.

He looked at you, determination in his eyes as he placed another dime on the counter. “Three more darts.”

To your shock and delight, he popped two of the three balloons necessary to win a prize, seemingly with ease this time. He picked out a medium-sized brown teddy bear with a heart in its hands and proudly gave it to you. 

“This is too cute, thank you,” you smiled, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

He beamed, throwing his arm around your shoulder. “I told ya I’d win you somethin’.”

You did have to talk him out of trying the ring toss game next, saying that you wouldn’t be able to carry more prizes through the fairgrounds for the rest of the night. He only agreed once you promised that you’d left him win you an even bigger prize before you left. 

The two of you shared cotton candy next to the merry-go-round, and you tried not to get any of it on your bear. You finally asked him about whether the rumors about his contract with Sun Records being sold to RCA was true, and he said that while it wasn’t official yet, his manager was working out the details. He figured it was only a matter of a few days. You were in the middle of congratulating him when you were interrupted by a nervous voice.

“I’m so sorry to bother you, but could you sign this for me?” a girl asked, her hand shaking as she held out a clean napkin and a pen. “I’m such a big fan.”

“‘Course, sweetheart,” Elvis answered with a smile. 

He leaned against one of the food stalls to sign the napkin. Elvis was getting recognized more and more wherever he went, making it difficult to go many places with him, but you admired how dedicated he was to his fans, not hesitating to return their devotion to him. You’d heard of people meeting their favorite singers or movie stars and having horrible experiences, but Elvis made sure that was never the case for them.

“You’re so lucky,” the girl sighed.

“Oh, we’re just friends,” you clarified.

She gave you an odd expression as she looked at the teddy bear in your hand. Just before she could respond, Elvis handed her the now autographed napkin and the pen back, winking at her.

“Have a good rest of your night, darlin’,” Elvis said.

She nodded, a wide smile on her face. “Thank you!”

You watched as she ran back over to her friends, who all squealed and giggled upon seeing that she’d gotten his autograph. 

“Sorry ‘bout that,” he said bashfully.

“It’s alright,” you said. “Do you know where everyone else is?”

“I think I saw them at the scrambler, but I know Tina said somethin’ about bumper cars.”

You rolled your eyes. You weren’t ashamed of being plus size by any means and knew it didn’t matter to your friends, but it frustrated you when they seemed to forget that not everything was as accessible to you as it was to them. You were still having a good time at the fair, despite your hesitance to even go in the first place. If anything, you felt bad that Elvis was spending the night dropping money on rigged games and cotton candy for you instead of going on rollercoasters and ferris wheels. 

When you and Elvis started walking around again, he kept his arm around your waist this time, holding you close to him, squeezing your side every so often. You supposed it was so you wouldn't get separated in the crowd of people, which had only grown as the night went on. He seemed a bit dazed, though, and at one point, he walked directly into someone, apologizing profusely before moving you in a different direction.

“You alright?” you asked.

“Yeah, sorry. I got distracted. The lights make your eyes look like stars,” he whispered.

You were taken aback by his comment. “I—thanks.”

“Earlier, when I said you look great, I meant to say you look beautiful. You always do.”

Still shocked and unsure of how to respond, you quietly thanked him again. You had never let yourself think of Elvis romantically before. You’d been friends for a long time, so you just assumed you weren’t his type, especially since you didn’t look like any of his past girlfriends. As you pondered this sudden shift in your relationship with him, the two of you walked a few feet more in comfortable silence until coming across a large rainbow wheel covered in lights. 

“Young lady with the teddy bear!” the carnival barker called out. “How would you like to step up and spin the wheel of wonder? Free of charge!”

“Yes, she wants to,” Elvis said, volunteering you to spin the wheel.

You gave Elvis a playful glare as you handed him the teddy bear he’d won you.

The man waved you forward, and you spun the wheel with some enthusiasm, standing next to Elvis as you watched it spin and spin and spin, until finally stopping at—

“Complimentary tickets to the tunnel of love!” the man announced, grabbing the two ride tickets in question. “An appropriate prize for the lovely couple.”

You had no time to correct him before Elvis took the tickets, thanking the man. He looked pleased as he gave you the teddy bear back, until he noticed your expression didn’t match his.

“If you don’t want to go on it, we don’t have to.”

“We should do it. We haven’t gone on any rides tonight,” you said, trying to convince yourself that there was any way to go on the tunnel of love as just friends.

“You sure?” Elvis asked with a smile.

You nodded. “I’m sure.”

His excitement was contagious as he took your hand in his, running over to the tunnel of love, the giant, neon red heart atop the ride acting as a guiding star while the two of you weaved through the other fair-goers to the ride.

The tunnel of love looked like a giant Valentine’s Day card, covered in pink, red, and gold paint. The wooden cut-out of a cupid that pointed to the ride had the paint chipped off, but the big heart-shaped entrance was cute. A soft melody played inside, and Elvis handed the tickets to the woman operating the ride. She pulled back a lever, and a pink cart with faded red hearts all over it chugged forward on the metal tracks. 

You and Elvis got into the cart, somewhat of a tight squeeze, you observed to yourself. The woman pulled the lever again, and the cart jolted forward into the darkness of the tunnel, which was soon illuminated by red and pink glowing lights. Various wooden cut-outs popped out every now and then. It was corny, but it had its charm.

“Sorry,” you whispered, noticing your thigh pressing against Elvis’ in the close space of the cart.

“You’re fine, darlin’, really,” he assured you, hoping you couldn’t hear his heart racing at being so close to you. 

The next few moments or so of the ride was spent in awkward silence, and you sighed, suddenly feeling acutely aware of what ride you were actually on with him. 

“I’m sorry if you’re not having a good time,” Elvis said.

You shook your head. “No, I just feel bad you got stuck with me and didn’t get to go on the other rides.”

“What? Y/N, I wanted to be with you. I asked everyone else to go on to those other rides so I could spend the night alone with you—not like that—I just mean, I like you a lot,” he confessed. 

You giggled, hiding your face in the teddy bear he’d won you. All this time you thought he was just being nice to you; you didn’t even want to think about how many other times you’d completely missed him flirting with you. If your friends already knew Elvis was going to be at the county fair, you figured them dragging you along despite your clear reluctance was their weird way of being your wingmen.

“I hope you’re not laughin’ at me,” he said.

Quickly, you lifted your head, shaking it. “No, Elvis, I promise I’m not. I’m just embarrassed I didn’t notice sooner.”

“I guess that’s on me for not makin’ a move sooner.”

“Then do it.”

“Do what?”

“Make a move.”

He smiled, placing one hand on your thigh and the other on your cheek. His eyes fell to your lips, and he kissed you softly, sweetly, and you felt like you were in a movie as the romantic music played and warm lights glowed. Oh, this was why people liked going in here. As you kissed him back, he pulled you closer, and you had no other option than to practically sit on his lap.

The two of you were so engrossed in the kiss that you hadn’t noticed the ride stopped until the ride operator cleared her throat. You and Elvis awkwardly got out of the cart, but you smiled when you heard someone waiting in line utter, “Is that Elvis Presley?” 

The man himself was practically glued to you as he led you through to the ride’s exit. Going back to the chaos of the fair was jarring, to say the least, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to goin’ through there again,” he grinned, brushing his thumb over your smudged lipstick.

“Me either.”

Taglist: @eliseinmemphis @crash-and-cure @kittenlittle24 @im-lame-irl @loudwombatmugkid @rxsesss @roseymary04 @queendelrey​ @jovialladyaurora​ 

[tyleroakley-obsessed]

Even though it feels like the opposite of autumnal outside, it’s time for the big annual list of things to do in Memphis in the fall. If you want to party, we have festivals and shindigs aplenty. If you’re looking for family-friendly or free fun, Memphis in the fall has loads of that, too. There’s lots to eat and drink and ways to get moving or cheer on the home team, so dig in and never let me hear you say “there’s nothing to do in Memphis!” Mempho Music Festival. Photo by Alex Shansky. Here’s your list of things to do in Memphis this fall, brought to us by contributor Wesley Paraham. Got something to add? Submit it to the calendar here. AUGUST Puck Food Hall Tasting, 409 S. Main, August 23, 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., $50 adults/$25 kids, all ages I Love Memphis Blog partners with the newish food hall for your chance to try all ten of the food vendors for one flat fee. Sample everything from homemade pasta to BBQ pork tacos to gelato and cocktails at this one-night-only event. Read all the details and see the menu here. Exposure for 901 Day, FedExForum, August 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly New Memphis and iBank once again host this huge Memphis-centric celebration with entertainment, food, and more than 150 local organizations that you can learn about and get plugged into. This year’s event is turned up a notch for the Bicentennial and will featured local celebs competing in fun games. Read more here. 901 Day Celebration, Railgarten, September 1, 11 a.m. – ’til,  $10 at the door, all ages/kid-friendly Railgarten throws down for September 1 with a big lineup of local bands including CCDE, Lucky 7 Brass Band, Star & Micey, 8Ball and MJG and DJ Siphne Aaye…plus Memphis vendors and a dance party. Memphis Tigers Football, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, August 31-November 29, ticket prices vary, all ages The Memphis Tigers football team embarks on its 2019 season at the Liberty Bowl later this month. The University of Memphis has listed times for just the first four games of the season, so check the link above later for updates. SEPTEMBER Levitt Shell Fall Concert Series, Levitt Shell, Thursdays – Sundays, September  – October, free, all ages This season of  free outdoor concerts at the Levitt Shell really delivers. Featuring Yola Carter, Jack Oblivian, Reverend Horton Heat, and much, much more, there’ll be no shortage of amazing music. They’ll also be putting on not-so-free Shell Yeah! fundraising shows featuring Jason Isbell and Ben Folds, where all proceeds go towards keeping the rest of the shows free. The Fall Concert Series starts August 31 and continues through October 13 in Overton Park.   30 Days of Opera, Various Locations, September 1-30, free, all ages You can’t get much more self-explanatory than this—Opera Memphis is giving us 30 days of free performances held at different locations throughout the city. Places and dates are TBA, but check the link for updates.  Art on the Rocks, Dixon Gallery & Gardens, September 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., $50, 21 and up The Dixon is back with another year of Art on the Rocks, featuring botanical cocktails, craft beer, and wine, plus bites from local restaurants. This year’s color to wear (optional) is purple. Memphis Rox Yoga Festival, Mud Island River Park, September 7, gates open 7:30 a.m., $35 advance, all ages Year two of Memphis’ first yoga festival changes the scenery a bit, moving from Midtown to the Mud Island River Park Downtown.The day includes more than 20 yoga classes, vendors, food trucks, a tea garden, and meditation areas. A portion of the proceeds go to Memphis Rox, an indoor rock climbing facility in South Memphis that’s one of the coolest and best things to happen in this city in a long time.  ⠀⠀⠀ Annual Germantown Festival, Germantown Civic Club Complex, September 7-8, free, all ages/kid-friendly You could go to the Germantown Festival for the crafts, demonstrations, live music, vendors, delicious eats, classic cars and overall sense of community. You wouldn’t be wrong to do so. You would, however, be wrong to miss the annual Running of the Weenies, an adorably chaotic dachshund race.  Zoo Rendezvous, Memphis Zoo, September 7, $200+, 21 The Memphis Zoo puts a disco spin on their yearly Zoo Rendezvous fundraiser this year. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy food and beverages from more than 70 Mid-South restaurants and bars, and live entertainment at Zoodio 54. The 30th Annual Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration, September 11-14, various locations and prices, all ages A grand Memphis tradition continues on September 11 with the 30th annual Southern Heritage Classic, bringing the legendary Gladys Knight to the Orpheum with it. There’s definitely a lot happening that week outside of Tennessee State vs. Jackson State, so make sure you check the link above for the full schedule of events and prices. Fall Movie Nights at Chimes Square, Overton Square, September 5-November 7, free, all ages Make your dinner-and-a-movie dates less lame by grabbing a pie to-go from the Memphis Pizza Cafe and heading to Chimes Square on Thursday nights. Free films will be shown on an outdoor screen with state-of-the-art surround sound. The full schedule of films is TBA, so, once again, check back for updates. Cooper-Young Fest, Cooper and Young, September 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., free, all ages What else is there to say about Cooper-Young Fest? Buy some art + crafts, see live shows on three(!!) stages this year, eat two funnel cakes and a Pronto Pup, and people watch at this 32-year-old celebration of Memphis heritage. Don’t start drinking too early, and if you have to ask when’s too early to start drinking, it’s probably too early.  Mid-South Fair, Landers Center, September 19-29, $8 adults, $4 seniors and kids 5-12, all ages The Mid-South Fair is the spot for good ol’-fashioned country fun. Enjoy food, rides, games, live entertainment, talent contests and more, but you better not miss Lance Bass from NSYNC (just Lance though) and your boy Aaron Carter! Southern Junkers Vintage Market, Memphis Fairgrounds Pipkin Building, September 20-21, $5 for adults at door, $8 online, free for kids 13 and under Fairground nostalgia is the theme for this year’s Southern Junkers Vintage Market. Many vendors will be on hand with antiques and art. Buy enough junk for your trunk then treat yourself to some carnival food. Burgerfest, Tiger Lane, September 21,11 a.m.-6 p.m., $10+, all ages Burgerfest returns to Tiger Lane at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for another afternoon of beers, burgers, and fun. There will be a burger bar, local beers, live music, games, and a kids’ area. Latin Fest 2019, Overton Square, September 21, 3-9 p.m., free, all ages If you want to experience some of what really makes America great, check out the Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group’s celebration of Latin American food, drinks, music, art, and culture in Overton Square during Hispanic Heritage Month. Spillit, Various Locations, September 21, November 15 and November 17, $20, 18 + Memphians tell their hilarious, heartbreaking, and inspiring stories at monthly events and compete for the title of best storyteller. Admission price includes drinks (always remember to tip your bartender). Seats are first come, first served, so get there early. GONERFEST 16, various venues, September 26-29, free-$75 weekend pass, all ages If you like your bands like you like your company—loud, a little dangerous, and probably a health risk—then GONERFEST is where you want to be. This year’s lineup includes Sweet Knives, NOTS, Giorgio Murderer, and Memphis garage rock veterans The Oblivians. Hit the link above for the full lineup and tickets.  Bartlett BBQ Fest 2019,W.J. Freeman Park, September 27-28, 5-11 p.m., free admission, all ages Bartlett’s very own barbeque cooking contest will feature live music, food vendors, a 5K, arts and crafts, kids’ areas, and a car show in addition to the tons of delicious BBQ. Bring your family and enjoy the fun. Elegant Southern Style Weekend, Graceland, September 27-29. $299+ Head to Graceland to join their inaugural Elegant Southern Style Weekend, hosted by Priscilla Presley herself. This event is a celebration of the food, style, and culture of the American South featuring seminars from experts in their fields. Audacity Fest, Downtown Memphis, September 27-29, $40+, $20 with student ID, all ages AUDACITY Fest is the first travel festival tailored towards black and brown individuals, and it’s making its way to Memphis this year for the first time. It’s an opportunity to meet and hear travel influencers, enjoy food vendors and live music and performances, build community, and maybe share how we do things in the 901 with some tourists. Memphis Pride Fest, Robert R. Church Park, September 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, all ages Celebrate pride with Memphis’ diverse LGBTQ+ community at the 16th Annual Memphis Pride Fest at Robert R. Church Park in Downtown Memphis for the first time this year. The Memphis Pride Parade will start rolling down Beale Street at 1 p.m. that afternoon. Also, the Memphis Public Libraries are holding a Pride Kick-Off event at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library on September 7, which you can learn more about here.  Lightsaber Dueling at Rec Room, September 28, 7-9 p.m., free, 21+ Are you a Jedi, a Sith Lord, a member of the First Order, or a Resistance fighter? Choose your side and duel your opponents—the Force is strong with you. It’s bring-your-own-saber, but they’ll have a few extras on site if necessary. Try not to hurt anyone. Memphis Japan Fest, September 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This family-friendly celebration of Japanese history and culture is amplified by the beauty and hospitality of the Memphis Botanic Garden. Along with a cosplay and Japanese street fashion contest, there’ll be a bevy of vendors, activities, and food. On a related note—shout-out to Netflix for making Neon Genesis Evangelion readily accessible to western audiences for the first time in seventeen years (even though they kinda butchered it).  OCTOBER Tai Chi in the Formal Gardens, Overton Park, August 15-October 17, 7-8 a.m., free, all ages Find your center every Tuesday and Thursday morning in Overton Park with certified Dragon & Tiger Qigong instructor Marjean Liggett. Classes will teach basic tai chi moves and focus on breathing exercises. Students of all ability levels are welcome. Mempho Music Fest, Shelby Farms Park, October 19 & 20, $109 and up Mempho follows up last year’s explosive lineup with The Raconteurs, Brandie Carlisle, and the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. You’ll also be able to see hometown heroes such as DJ Paul, Valerie June, Amy LaVere, and John Paul Keith. Pink Palace Crafts Fair, Audubon Park, October 11-13, free, all ages The popular Pink Palace Crafts Fair offers three days of outdoor artisan demonstrations in everything from candle making to metalsmithing, as well as kids’ activities, eating and shopping at booths run by artists and craftspeople from around the country, and more. Proceeds benefit the Pink Palace Museum. Memphis Food & Wine Festival, Memphis Botanic Garden, October 12, 6 p.m., $200+, 21+ This outdoor event brings chefs from across the world right here to Memphis to collaborate and share with our local culinary talent. Wine merchants and stewarts will also be in attendance to help you find the perfect wine to pair with your meal. Check the link above for a full list of chefs and vendors.  Repair Days 2019, National Ornamental Metal Museum, October 17-20, free to attend, all ages Bring your busted, rusted, and otherwise damaged metal items to the Metal Museum for a little TLC. During Repair Days, the museum’s crew of blacksmiths and metalworkers will fix your items for a fee, which benefits the museum. The day also includes family friendly activities, workshops, and a dinner and auction. Beale Street Art Crawl, October 19, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., free, all ages It’s not just folk art! Artists of all disciples from around the Mid-South come together on Beale to build community and showcase their works for this free event. Bring the family and discover Memphis heritage. Harvest Festival, Agricenter International, October 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free event, all ages The fall-themed fun of the Harvest Festival returns for its sixteenth year. Paint pumpkins, go on a hayride, learn about agriculture, and dance to some bluegrass at this family-friendly event. Soulsville USA Festival, College & McLemore, October 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free, all ages Enjoy the soulful music line-up, food and crafts from over 40 vendors, free admission to Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and much more during this festival celebrating South Memphis’ innovative and robust global contributions to music and culture. Cooper-Young Beer Fest, 795 S. Cooper. October 19, 1-5 p.m., $45-$50, 21+ If you didn’t already know, Cooper-Young is incredibly active in the Fall thanks to both Cooper-Young Fest and the Cooper-Young Beer Fest—featuring food vendors and beers from over 30 regional craft breweries. Goner Records will supply tunes and food trucks will be on site. Tickets go on sale September 1 for $45 then will increase to $50 on October 1. Memphis Tequila Fest, Overton Square, October 19, 6-9 p.m. $34 and up, 21 Tequila! Taste over 30 different types of tequila while the DJ keeps the music going all night long. If tequila isn’t your thing, don’t worry—a cash bar with beer, wine, and mixed drinks will be on site as well as food vendors. In the meantime, let’s all enjoy this classic scene from the 1985 Tim Burton masterpiece Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Art on Fire 2019, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, October 19, 7-11 p.m., $75+, 21+ If you’ve got $75 and are old enough to legally enjoy alcoholic beverages, then head to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens for this casually classy fundraiser. There’ll be live music and other entertainment, art sales, a silent auction, and great local food the Dixon’s south lawn. Proceeds benefit the Dixon’s art education and outreach programs.  Memphis Comic Expo, October 19-20, Agricenter International, 10 a.m.-6 pm. $25+, free for kids 12 and under This two-day family event focuses on comic creators but also features vendors, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and guest panels. It’s featured guests list is stacked with big names who’ve worked on big projects like Uncanny X-Men, Black Panther, Wonder Woman, Bitch Planet, and so much more.  Memphis Grizzlies Basketball, FedEx Forum, season home games start October 25, prices vary, all ages Show your team some love! Head to the FedExForum and see the Grizzlies start their season against the Chicago Bulls on October 25. River Arts Fest, Riverside Drive, October 26-27, Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 am.-5 p.m., $5, all ages Last year was the first time RiverArtsFest was held on Riverside Drive, and they’re continuing at the new location in October. This street festival rivals Cooper-Young Fest with its own selection of fine arts, local music, live artist demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages. RiverArtsFest last year also included the debut of the Mighty Lights on the Hernando de Soto Bridge, so I’m sure they’ve got something special planned for that anniversary. Indie Memphis Film Fest, October 30-November 4, locations and prices vary The Indie Memphis Film Festival showcases hundreds of films at venues around the city, and this year will be no different. While the full schedule of events has yet to be announced for 2019, expect to mingle with your Memphis neighbors and folks from around the world at a free block party with live music, filmmaker talks, locally brewed adult beverages and much more. NOVEMBER  Downtown Dining Week, Various Locations In Downtown Memphis, Dates TBD, Prices VaryEach fall, dozens of downtown restaurants offer amazing deals and discounts for one week. It’s an awesome chance for you to sample the delicious Memphis cuisine without breaking the bank! Usually there are multi-course prix fixe offerings during lunch and dinner, and reservations are required at most locations. More details, dates, and a full list of restaurants will be released later in the fall, so check the blog for updates. Dia de los Muertos Parade & Festival, Brooks Museum, November 2, 11:30 a.m.-3:30p.m., free event, all ages Families are invited to celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the Brooks Museum of Art. The parade will begin in Overton Square with floats and performers at 11:30 a.m. and will arrive at the Brooks Museum a bit after noon. After the parade, there will be a community celebration inside the museum with face painting, music, dance performances, food trucks, and more. Memphis Soul Music Festival, Levitt Shell, November 2-3, 8 p.m., $50+ The Memphis Soul Music Festival is a two-day event at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park organized by SisterReach, and organization committed to women and teens of color in the state of Tennessee. Both days will feature a headliner and plenty of local performers. The full lineup will be announced in August, so check the link the updates. India Fest, Agricenter, November 3, 10 a.m.-8:00 p.m.,$5 for adults, $1 for children, free for children under 5, all ages Organized by the India Association of Memphis, this festival showcases the art, culture, music, cuisine, and heritage of India’s diverse cultures. Grilled Cheese Festival, Hi-Tone Cafe, November 10, 12-6 p.m., $5, all ages The Grilled Cheese Festival is an absolute treasure, but be prepared for your taste buds to suddenly become too cosmopolitan for Wonder Bread and Kraft Singles. This family and pet-friendly festival revolves around grilled cheese with competing teams providing a limited number of samples unless you buy a VIP ticket, which nets you unlimited samples. Proceeds benefit Alive Rescue, for homeless animals in the Memphis area. Memphis Flyer’s Crafts & Drafts, Crosstown Concourse, November 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, all ages   The Memphis Flyer’s Crafts & Drafts is an outdoor crafts exhibition and sale featuring local food, beer, and of course craft vendors. It’ll also feature live music, games for kids, and is quite dog-friendly. Greenway Soiree, Opera Memphis, November 9, 6-10 p.m., $100 per person, $1000 per table This fundraiser event for the Wolf River Conservancy features food and cocktails, live and silent auctions, and live music. It’s great if you want to support one of Memphis’ finest outdoor amenities and probably wear a fancy dress all in one night. Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention, Memphis Marriott East, November 15-17, $15-$50, all ages  The Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention offers three glorious days of panels, gaming, costumes (and a costume contest), and visiting artists and writers. The schedule is TBA, but they have announced that Jenel Stevens, a prolific Hollywood stunt performer and a Dora Mijale warrior in 2018’s Black Panther, which is pretty cool.  DECEMBER St. Jude Marathon Weekend, Downtown Memphis, December 7, $35+, all ages The event that brings runners from across the world also has its fair share of supporters here in Memphis. Whether you’re participating in races yourself or supporting friends and family, the energy felt in Downtown Memphis during the St. Jude Marathon Weekend is electrifying. Find a nice patio spot and cheer.     Are you a home owner in Memphis, with a broken garage door? Call ASAP garage door today at 901-461-0385 or checkout https://ift.tt/1B5z3Pc

http://ilovememphisblog.com/2019/08/guide-to-memphis-fall-events-and-things-to-do-2019/

[hooked-on-elvis]

Elvis was sued for... being friendly (June 19th, 1956).

Okay, maybe too friendly? Judge for yourselves. That's a funny story! Just... unbelievable!

At the top is page 9 from "Elvis Presley Speaks!" magazine.

The first picture was taken June 19, 1956. That day is full of controversy. Beginning for Elvis attending the “colored night” black-only event at the Memphis Fairgrounds amusement park that evening, but that's a different story (another awesome one, btw!).

Back to the focus point here, that day Elvis was resting at his home (1034, Audubon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee), had just done a local radio show and then went to the Memphis Fairgrounds Amusement Park with his then girlfriend, Barbara Hearn, and some friends. He was being followed around/accompanied by photographer Robert Williams of the Memphis Commercial Appeal and columnist Robert Johnson. The pictures below show Elvis with Barbara at Audubon Drive and in the second one they are at the parking lot of the Memphis Fairgrounds, inside Elvis' car, that very day.

After the Fairgrounds, Elvis, Barbara, other friends, photographer Robert Williams and columnist Robert Johnson. went into the Gridiron Restaurant (Memphis, TN), and there something bizarre, depending on the point of view, happened.

On the picture below, at the restaurant, Elvis is beside the young girl named Robbie Moore (at his right). Photos taken by Robert Williams.

The pictures were published in the fan magazine "Elvis Presley Speaks!". Those pictures show the star laying his head on Robbie's shoulder and eating a burger next to her, while Barbara Hearn, his girlfriend, looks on. It looks harmless, right? But there's more to it. Maybe it can explain why Elvis was sued after all. Fortunately, we have a story about how that meeting happened. Columnist Robert Johnson recalled:

"Elvis spoke to her pleasantly as he entered and said something like, ‘How are you? I haven’t seen you in a long time.’ The girl didn’t say anything. Elvis seemed to be trying to be friendly. He was just teasing and having fun. He opened her purse, looking at her teasingly out of the corner of his eye, but snapped it back shut and put it on the counter (maybe purse-peeking moment is the picture below). He took a nibble of her sandwich and a sip of her milk. That was all. She still did not respond and Elvis laid his head on her shoulder as if to say, ‘Come on, let’s be friends.’ He was just acting in a boyish kind of way.”

Robbie Moore had remembered the event very differently. She certainly did not look very happy in the pictures about what was happening. It seems she was not asked permission to be photographed – and she was even annoyed about the sandwich.

The thing is, two months later, around September 1956, Elvis received a notification that he was going to be sued for $42,500 (around $415,000 in today's money) for invasion of privacy, and assault and battery. The case was settled out of court for $5,500 and widely covered in the press.

When the story went public Elvis said that they had known each other for some years and he had "no idea she would object to the picture." According to the account of that day Robbie gave to the Press-Scimitar, she had never met Elvis before their encounter in the Gridiron.

That's it! Elvis may have learned a lesson from that day, but the whole thing is just SO funny to me! Elvis was so innocent back then, so boyish, at ease. He was very much like an angel, or something close to one.

On Robbie Williams' defense (just because I believe everybody has their own accounts and individuals way of thinking and feeling and this needs to be put to consideration and be respected), even tho she sound like a cranky person, a real Grinch, and in some way opportunist, she was in her rights. Maybe she just didn't like being touched, having her food eaten or having her personal things being rummage by anyone without her permission (no matter who it was or if she knew that person or not), specially when she - not verbally but physically for sure - had shown very clearly (just look at the pictures, imagine her whole vibe that day!) how uncomfortable she was with Elvis' closeness to her.

Poor boy, EP. Learning how people can be... difficult sometimes.

"Elvis Presley Speaks" magazine, 1956: "Read his own story in his own words". There's more photos and many more stories inside that magazine (not only about that June 19th day). If you'd like to read the full magazine online, click here and download the file. ✨

To close this with, cool photos from the same those crazy things happened: Elvis Presley (age 21) in front of the fireplace at his 1034 Audubon Drive home in Memphis, TN on Tuesday, June 19, 1956. Taken by Robert Williams.

That story reminded me a quote, something under the lines: Be a nice person, even if people don't act the same to you. I guess EP knew plenty about that. Even after that episode, he was always the cutest pleasant little boy. ♥ My opinion on this law suit case is: ELVIS WAS JUST BEING HAPPY. A happy person is opened, friendly, nice to whomever comes their way. He wanted to share his happiness, his smile, be nice and make people feel welcomed and appreciated. It just didn't work quite as he expected.