It’s that special and surreal time again for Riverside, Iowa, the “future birthplace” of Captain James T. Kirk. This tiny town is about to throw its party of the year—and you’re all invited. Costumes highly encouraged!
TrekFest is always held on the last Saturday in June, so this Saturday, June 30, 2018, the celebration begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by live music from Abbie Callahan, T ball, bouncy houses, and a volleyball tournament. Trekkie festivities (and costumes) will burst into full color and glory by 10 a.m. for the annual TrekFest parade through town. The party roars on with music by the Awful Purdies, a tribute to Leonard Nimoy, fireworks, and much, much more.
Truth be told, the Star Trek craze will get going the night before on Friday, June 29. From 5 p.m. to late, enjoy music by the Swing Crew, a community meal, the Bill Riley Regional Talent Show, a pet show, trivia contest, and kids’ activities. Friday there will also be a late-night softball tournament along with the 2013 film Star Trek Into Darkness projected at the park into the wee hours.
TrekFest headquarters are at Hall Park—on Ella Street behind Casey’s in Riverside, but events such as the parade, guest speakers, 5K, demolition derby, and water fights are held around the town—at St. Mary’s church, the fire station, and the Voyage Home Museum.
Here are answers to some FAQs to help you navigate the weekend:
Where can I find the complete schedule of events?
Easy. TrekFest.org.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
There is no ID requirement or age limit to enter, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults purchasing alcoholic beverages must provide a valid ID. No exceptions.
Where should I park?
You can park at Hall Park during TrekFest. (The outer ball park is used as overflow for the demolition derby parking.) Parking is free. If you need special assistance getting into the park from the parking lot, RACC members are available to escort attendees via golf cart to the tent or other festival areas.
What can/can’t I bring to the event?
Coolers of alcohol are not permitted within the park during TrekFest. Alcohol may be purchased at the beer tent or at the demolition derby event. While there are folding chairs in the food tent area, bringing a lawn chair to enjoy the music in the park is recommended.
Where can I contact the organizer with further questions?
For general questions please email: contact.us@trekfest.org.
And finally, here’s a little background (courtesy of Wikipedia) on this year’s TrekFest theme: “Khannn!!!”
Khan Noonien Singh, commonly shortened to Khan, is a fictional character in the Star Trek science fiction franchise. The character first appeared in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Space Seed” (1967), and was portrayed by Ricardo Montalbán, who reprised his role in the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. In the 2013 film Star Trek Into Darkness, Khan is played by Benedict Cumberbatch.
The character once controlled more than a quarter of the Earth during the Eugenics Wars of the 1990s. After being revived from suspended animation in 2267 by the crew of the Starship Enterprise, Khan attempts to capture the starship, but is thwarted by James T. Kirk and exiled on Ceti Alpha V to create a new society with his people. In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, set fifteen years after “Space Seed,” Khan escapes his exile and sets out to exact revenge upon Kirk.
In Star Trek Into Darkness, set in the alternate continuity established in Star Trek (2009), Khan is awakened almost a decade before the events of “Space Seed.” Khan is given the false identity “John Harrison” and coerced by Admiral Marcus into building weapons for Starfleet in exchange for the lives of Khan’s crew. He ultimately rebels and comes into conflict with the crew of the Enterprise.