Indianapolis, IN June 26, 2002 marks the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley's last concert. To commemorate this historic event, the Taking Care of Presley Memorial Benefit Committee is setting up a fund, to raise money for a Historic Marker to be placed at the former site of Market Square Arena in Indianapolis where that concert took place. It will be unveiled and dedicated on June 26, 2002. This marker will be as dynamic in design as Elvis was as a person and will contain a time capsule. For a donation of $25, fans can have their remembrances of Elvis placed inside the time capsule to be opened in 100 years. They will also receive a numbered, limited addition 8x10 photo of Elvis that was on display at MSA for over 20 years. The Marker will cost $10,000 so donations are greatly appreciated.

Plans are to include a scarf given by Elvis to a fan at that last concert. Organizing the project are Kay and Paul Lipps, founders of the Taking Care of Presley Memorial Benefit Committee. They are in contact with the archive department at Graceland, Presley's Memphis home, and hope to secure some other mementos from Elvis' estate (perhaps a copy of the contract for the concert itself).

The festivities also include an "Indy" Elvis FANtasy Fest on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd. The Fest will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel and Convention Center. Special rates are available at the hotel -- call 317-352-1231. Special guest include Joe Esposito, Elvis' Road Manager and friend, Al Dvorin, The Elvis Presley Show announcer who made famous the words "Elvis has left the building" and Myrna Smith, one of Elvis' backup singers. Other special guests include Steve Christopher with the "Elvis on the Air" radio show and Darwin Lamm, editor of Elvis International - the magazine.

Entertainment at the event will be provided by Chicago's ExSpence Account Showband and several of the winning Elvis Tribute Artists from the "Images of the King" contest held annually in Memphis. Scheduled are Irv Cass, Doug Church, Stephen Kabakos, Travis Morris, Quentin Flagg, and Robert Washington. Details can be found on the home page for the Elvis FANtasy Fest at www.elvisfantasyfest.com

The City of Indianapolis and Gold 104.5 Radio are participating with the fundraising and presentation of the marker and the Fest.

Fans may submit a written remembrances on a single 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper, include a check for $25 or more made payable to the Taking Care of Presley Memorial Benefit Committee and sent to: The Elvis Marker, 931 Oswego Road, Carmel, IN 46032