The King is far from being forgotten. Fans are diligently keeping his memory alive, cherishing his music, his movies and his spirit.

August 16, 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Graceland, the very famous home of The King, now transformed into a Mecca, will be swamped by the thousands of fans arriving to celebrate their idol’s life and legacy.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, the company specially created to manage all business connected to Elvis, opened Graceland to the public in 1982, some five years after The King’s death, thus making Memphis, Tennessee a definitely-must-visit for any self-respecting Elvis diehard.

The King himself lived there for a great number of years, having acquired the property in 1957, at the very height of his success. Twenty years later, Elvis sadly died. Another thirty years later, he is the second-highest grossing dead celebrity, says Forbes, with more than $40 million a year. He is topped by Nirvana’s late singer Kurt Cobain.

Elvis Week is meant to be the very best this year, if we are to listen to Elvis Presley Enterprises, packed with special events such as the Elvis Expo at the Memphis convention center and an overnight vigil on August 15, at Graceland.

Willing fans can go on tours of The King’s childhood neighborhood in Tupelo, Mississippi and buy Elvis memorabilia to their hearts’ desire. They can become the happy owners of special DVD editions of Elvis’s movies, of a piano auctioned on eBay or of a Harley-Davidson.

Elvis impersonators are also receiving official recognition from Graceland for the first time ever. The estate has organized a contest for Elvis “artists” (not “impersonators,” mind you), with prizes such as a Nashville recording session or a contract to perform on the first-ever Elvis Cruise (set to sail to the Bahamas on August 30).

Businessman Robert Sillerman and his CKX, Inc. bought 85 percent of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2005; the remaining 15 percent still belong to Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s sole heir. Sillerman has grand plans for Graceland, such as a needed face-lift for the surrounding neighborhood and a new hotel.

Fans are encouraged to come, come, come; visit The King’s earthly kingdom and bring tribute to him – and they seem intent to do just that.