The first time Maddy Oostergo from Cairns attended the Parkes Elvis Festival she was part of a group of 10-15 young people who helped establish the rock 'n' roll dance competitions as a permanent fixture in the festival program.

That was 15 years ago.

Like most, the now 29-year-old caught the festival fever and she's been coming back almost every year since with mum Alice.

The pair has only missed two festivals since 2010.

Having been rock 'n' rolling since she was eight years old, Maddy obviously comes for the dancing.

But she and mum - who's a big Elvis fan - love seeing the feature artists and the street parade, and catching up with friends they've made over the years at the festival as well.

Maddy would love to see the rock 'n' roll dancing at the festival reinvigorated and rise to a new level.

"I dance where I can now, I'm not as involved as I used to be," Maddy said.

"But in general I would love to see more adults and kids competing, it would be nice to see more competition where they showcase their skills and raise the bar.

"They're capable of it.

"Elvis is rock 'n' roll."

Alice said when Maddy travelled down in their early years of the festival to compete, they were working.

"They had 12 performances over the five days that involved showcases, workshops and busking," she said.

Thanks to Parkes woman Michelle Roberts, who's been their connection when they came to dance, they've been able to stay in town during the festival with hostess Mavis Moon for the last three years.

Almost at the sweet age of 92 Mavis attends the festival every year.

"I love the Gospel Service," she said.

"I'm an Elvis fan, I love Elvis. I've seen all his movies."

When she was in the audience at one of the Feature Concert shows in 2023, just weeks out from her 90th birthday on January 28, headline acts Victor Trevino Jr and Dean Z sang her happy birthday.

She even posed for a photo with them at the end of the show.

"It really was the highlight," Mavis said.

Mavis enjoys hosting during the Elvis Festival and said it's a worthwhile experience.

"I'd recommend it," she said.