TENNESSEE: REMEMBERING THE KING

Every year since Elvis Presley's death in 1977, tens of thousands of people from around the world have gathered at his Memphis home, Graceland, to celebrate his life in a series of events known as Elvis Week. In addition to the Candlelight Vigil on Aug. 15 and the traditional festivities, this year's event will include a karaoke contest and a Shake, Rattle and Bowl Party.

Details: Elvis Week events are Aug. 8-16. Go to www.ElvisWeek.com for info and tickets.

AUSTRALIA: GAME ON

With a motto of ``fit, fun and forever young,'' World Masters Games in Sydney is expected to attract about 25,000 competitors from upwards of 100 countries this year. Designed for ``everyday athletes,'' competitors need only satisfy their sport's minimum age criterion, which is as low as 25 for diving and swimming and is not above 35 for any of the 28 sports, including archery, basketball, cycling, rowing, volleyball and weight lifting. And yes, spectators are welcome too.

Details: The games are Oct. 10-18 at 72 venues throughout Sydney. Info and online registration at 2009worldmasters.com.

TEXAS: BIGGER AND BETTER

A $72 million overhaul has essentially doubled the size of San Antonio's popular River Walk, transforming the weed-choked eyesore to the north into a 1 ½-mile manicured waterway with whimsical art, benches and fountains that can be passed on foot or by water taxi en route to attractions upriver. Called Museum Reach, the new area connects the busy convention center and Alamo area to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery and beyond to Brackenridge Park, home of the Witte Museum and the zoo.

Details: For info about San Antonio attractions, call 800-447-3372 or check out www.visitsanantonio.com.

FLORIDA: HERE'S A BRIGHT IDEA

The folks at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum near Daytona Beach are celebrating National Lighthouse Day on Aug. 7 with family-oriented activities, demonstrations and newly installed lighthouse exhibits. The lighthouse keeper promises to be in living history mode and will describe his duties, talk history and explain maintenance on the Fresnel lens. There'll be plenty of activities for the kids, too, including radio beacon navigation and ham radio demonstrations.

Details: National Lighthouse Day activities are included with regular admission of $5 adult, $1.50 children 11 and under. 386-761-1821 or www.ponceinlet.org.

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