TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Elvis Presley fans Asle Kristiansen and Borge Nitters have come a long way to see Tupelo's native son.
They live in Norway.
"I've been an Elvis fan since 1977. The first tape I ever got was an Elvis tape," Nitters said.
"It's kind of overwhelming. It's difficult to take everything in because you have heard about it so many years, so it's kind of exciting," Kristiansen said.
This is visit number 17 for Spokane, Washington, resident Jackie Hultquist.
This huge Elvis fan has reason to be so loyal.
"Oh! Ever since he kissed me. I met him in 1971 in Salt Lake City. My whole house is done in Elvis — my basement. I have Elvis gates. I have Elvis parties every year," Hultquist said.
She's back for another party — one which kicks off on Elvis's birthday at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
"It's more of a family reunion for us. It's a homecoming for everybody. A lot came in August. Now, we're having the birthday. It's our favorite time of the year. We're just looking forward to it," Birthplace assistant Blair Hill said.
Preparations are underway for a birthday party to be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
"We're trying to transform everything from our daily, normal routine welcoming 400 more fans, and we're just getting ready for it. We love this time of the year," Hill added.
"It's fun for all the family. It's a good time to celebrate what Elvis has done for our town," Birthplace tour guide Judy Schumpert said.
The festivities will include a special announcement about an outdoor development project. Many Elvis fans will be pleasantly surprised to see the new addition to the birthplace called the Elvis Presley Events Center and Theater.
