Here’s the official press release announcing Lauren Alaina’s appearance at Graceland in Memphis on November 18 to “flip the switch” on the mansion’s outdoor Christmas decorations. Season 9 winner, Lee DeWyze did the honors in 2010.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct 17, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., will officially begin the holiday season by “flipping the switch” on the traditional lights and decorations on the 13.8 acre mansion property during the annual lighting ceremony on November 18. The extensive Christmas display includes hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh, and much more, all originally displayed at Graceland by Elvis and the Presley family.
Highlighting the 2011 lighting ceremony will be Lauren Alaina, finalist from the tenth season of “American Idol, ” who will “flip the switch” to officially light the Graceland property and kick off the holiday festivities.
The event this year will also have a special partnership and sweepstakes with CMT.com and Sirius XM. In addition to experiencing the most magical night of the year at the king’s home in Memphis, one lucky winner and a guest will have a private meet ‘n’ greet with “American Idol” finalist and entertainer Lauren Alaina and the opportunity to share the experience with Elvis fans around the world as a guest DJ on Elvis Radio on Sirius XM. The trip also includes the complete Memphis experience with two nights at Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel, dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street and tickets to all the Memphis attractions, including Graceland, Sun Studio, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. To enter to win, visit http://www.cmt.com/community/sweepstakes/2011/graceland-lauren-alaina/ .
The interiors of Graceland mansion will also be decked in Elvis’ Christmas decor. Included will be his traditional red velvet drapes as well as Presley family Christmas artifacts on display around several trees throughout the home.
Santa will be available for pictures with the kids following the lighting ceremony on November 18. The public is welcome to attend the free lighting event. Regular paid tours of Graceland will operate the day of the lighting ceremony from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Others from around the world can enjoy the evening live via the “GracelandCam(TM)” at www.elvis.com .
