Las Vegas events mark the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death

Fans can observe the 37th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death during activities at two Las Vegas resorts.

The King died Aug. 16, 1977, at age 42.

Sam’s Town, a hotel-casino along Flamingo Road about six miles east of the Strip, will mark the occasion with special events Friday-Sunday.

The weekend kicks off with a concert by Elvis tribute artist Brandon Bennett at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets cost $16.50 and $22 and are available online or by calling (702) 284-7777.

Throughout the weekend, many of Elvis’ movies will be screened in Roxy’s lounge. Among the free showings are “Jailhouse Rock” at 7:55 p.m. Friday and of course, “Viva Las Vegas” at 11:20 a.m. Saturday.

Roxy’s will also host an Elvis karaoke contest from 2-4 p.m. Sunday with a top prize of $1,000. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.

No visit would be complete without a peanut butter-and-banana sandwich, one of the King’s favorite foods. They will be served Friday through Sunday at the Sports Deli. Also, fans dressed as Elvis can eat free in the Firelight Buffet.

Less than a mile east of the Strip, fans can pay homage at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Paradise Road. When the property was known as the International and later the Las Vegas Hilton, Elvis performed here for seven years. The run included 837 consecutive, sold-out concerts.

The place is full of Elvis memorabilia, including custom costumes, jewelry and sunglasses. Guests can also view his 1953 Martin guitar and a poster from a 1954 concert.

The last car Presley ever bought, a 1976 Lincoln Mark IV, is displayed in the hotel lobby.

Die-hard fans can stay in the penthouse suite in which Elvis slept when he was in Las Vegas. The sprawling suite on the 30thfloor rents for about $15,000 a night.

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