trek fest iowa

Trek Fest brings fans together in Captain Kirk's future birthplace, featuring Chase Masterson and Voyage Home Museum

by Nick Weig

RIVERSIDE, Iowa — A big crowd converged on the riverside for the 38th edition of Trek Fest. The festival, held in the future birthplace of Star Trek Captain James T. Kirk, was a celebration of all things Star Trek.

Iowa’s News Now and the Road Warrior took part in today’s parade, handing out backpacks and candy to everyone along the route. Later, many took in the live music, Trek merchandise tents, and of course toured the Voyage Home Museum. The museum features an incredible collection of Star Trek movie and TV memorabilia.

The special guest of honor was Chase Masterson, who played Leeta on Star Trek Deep Space Nine. When asked what it was like to come to a small town festival instead of a big city convention, Masterson said, “This convention is so sweet. I’ve loved every minute of it. I love small town America. I love the sweetness and the genuineness of the people here. I love the parade. You guys do it up, and I’ve been wanting to come here for a long time. I’m really happy and honored to be a guest, and it’s wonderful to see the energy and all these people celebrating these stories.”

WATCH NICK'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH CHASE MASTERSON BELOW:

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Star Trek historians headline the 34th Trekfest in Riverside

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Trekfest XXXIV

Riverside, Iowa — Friday, June 29 at 5 p.m. to Saturday, June 30 at 11:30 p.m.

We’re roughly 215 years out from the birth of James T. Kirk in Riverside, Iowa, and the town’s present-day residents (and traveling Star Trek fans) continue to celebrate the future occasion with their annual Trekfest. The 34th festival will take place this weekend, with events beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 29, and running late into the evening on Saturday, June 30.

In his 1968 book The Making of Star Trek , Stephen E. Whitfield and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry wrote that Captain Kirk was (or would be) born in “a small town in the State of Iowa.” After reading the book, Riverside councilman and self-proclaimed Trekkie Steve Miller decided Riverside might as well be that small Iowa town. He proposed such at the March 25, 1985 city council meeting, and his motion passed — Riverside had officially declared itself the future birthplace of James T. Kirk. The town wrote a letter to Rodenberry, who accepted the idea.

In short succession, the Riverside slogan “Where the best begins” became “Where the Trek begins,” a “birthstone” was erected on a plot of land owned by Miller, behind the town barber shop, and the annual River Fest became Trekfest.

Trekfest is still a very community-focused Iowa event — complete with a pancake breakfast, 5k run benefiting area schools, local food vendors, tractor pull, co-ed softball tournament, fireworks show and performances by local musicians; this year, on Friday, the Swing Crew (8:30 p.m.), and Saturday: Abbie Callahan (7:30 a.m.), the Awful Purdies (Saturday at 12:30 p.m.), Chautauqua Road Band (4 p.m.) and Brutal Republic (Saturday at 8 p.m.).

But the fest has a distinctly Star Trek touch, including parade floats inspired by Starfleet ships (the parade is Saturday at 10 a.m.), a Star Trek costume contest (11 a.m. Saturday on the mainstage) and trivia contest (8 p.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Parish Hall) and a Star Trek movie marathon (12-6 p.m. Saturday).

Headlining the 2018 Trekfest are John and Maria Jose Tenutos, sociology professors at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois and Star Trek historians. You read that right.

What does it mean to be a Star Trek historian? For one, it means the Tenutos have been invited to discuss the franchise and its surrounding culture by numerous networks and publications, including BBC Radio, CBS News, WGN News, the Chicago Tribune , USA Today , WIRED and, most recently, Netflix.

The Tenutos featured in the season two premiere of Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us , discussing the Star Trek toy market, which often included slapping a Star Trek label on random, already-existing toys. The Tenutos show off a parachuting Dr. McCoy toy, and a Gorn action figure from Mego made using the head of a reptilian Marvel Comics villain and the body of a Planet of the Apes character.

The Tenutos also appeared in the Toys That Made Us episode about Star Wars toys, but we won’t speak of that franchise here.

For Trekfest, John and Maria Tenuto will hold two presentations. The first will be Friday at 7 p.m., fitting the festival’s theme “Khhaaannnn!”: “Thriving on Limitations: The Making of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan .” The Tenutos will present more than 100 newly discovered photos from behind the scenes of the beloved 1982 film , and discuss “how it was made despite limitations of budget, time, and technology,” according to a Trekfest press release.

Saturday’s presentation is “A Remarkable Life: A Tribute to Leonard Nimoy,” beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Tenutos will again examine rare images from their research, this time looking at the life and times of Nimoy, who portrayed Spock in the original series and died of chronic obstructive pulimonary disease in 2015.

Riverside’s relationship with Star Trek has been largely positive, helping to multiply the town’s population of 1,000 by a factor five, 10 or more every summer during Trekfest. But their association with Captain Kirk has not always brought positive attention to Riverside.

In 2005, William Shatner, who portrayed Kirk in the Star Trek original series and its films, starred in the Spike TV reality mini-series Invasion Iowa , filmed in Riverside in the fall of 2004. The series had Shatner auditioning eager Riverside residents to appear in a sci-fi film he was directing. The film, however, was fake, and the show served as an elaborate joke on the people of Riverside — “a big old hoax on these good folks,” as Shatner sings in the promo . Ha, ha.

Riverside residents didn’t take it too hard; Trekfest vendors will often sell Invasion Iowa DVDs, and props from the reality show are housed in Riverside’s The Voyage Home museum alongside memorabilia from the Star Trek TV series.

Other Star Trek icons have visited Riverside under much friendlier flags: Walter Koenig, who played Chekov in the original series, was the grand marshal of the Trekfest parade in 2008, also serving as the judge for the costume contest and a guest speaker. He performed these roles again in 2009, this time joined by George Takei (Sulu) and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura); they hosted a mini-convention at Riverside Casino that same weekend, taking photos and signing autographs. Koenig returned once again in 2010.

Despite the endorsement of Gene Rodenberry, Star Trek media largely ignored Kirk’s Iowa roots until 2009. Riverside is considered to have entered official Star Trek canon with J.J. Abrams’ reboot film Star Trek , though the name “Riverside” is never stated and the “Iowa” scenes are filmed in California.

In Abrams’ alternate Star Trek timeline, Kirk is born in space, but raised in Iowa — a move some Iowans didn’t fully appreciate . Riverside’s implicit role in the Star Trek universe is elevated, however — Abrams places a Starfleet shipyard near the town, where the U.S.S. Enterprise is constructed. There’s also a hip future bar nearby, frequented by Starfleet cadets and officers.

Riverside residents received a special advanced screening of the 2009 Star Trek , confirming this Riverside-centered film was not, in fact, a hoax.

For a more complete Trekfest 2018 schedule, visit their Facebook page and website .

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The Daily Iowan

Photos: 37th Annual Trekfest

Ayrton Breckenridge , Photojournalist June 26, 2022

Community members in Riverside, Iowa gathered to celebrate the 37th annual Trekfest on Saturday, June 25, 2022. The town is known as the “Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk.” Kirk is a fictional character from the TV-show “Star Trek.”

This was the second and final day of the festival. Some festivities included a parade, volleyball, a costume contest, kids pedal tractor pull and other events.

The town also celebrated its sesquicentennial this weekend as the town was established in 1872.  

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Riverside’s TrekFest to make its return this weekend

Jun. 24, 2021 3:12 pm, Updated: Jun. 25, 2021 7:49 am

Why you can trust The Gazette

RIVERSIDE — This weekend, “Trekkies” will converge on downtown Riverside for TrekFest XXXVI.

TrekFest is the latest area event to make a comeback this year after having to cancel last year’s festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People are excited,” said Kevin Meller, who is heading the organization of this year’s TrekFest. “People are looking to be able to go out and do things.”

Meller said that the goal was to make TrekFest XXXVI look and feel like it did in previous years.

“Our goal all along was to make it feel like years past,” he said. “We wanted to get back to some normalcy and the small-town community atmosphere.”

Veterans of previous TrekFest will recognize many of the events.

“If you look at our schedule, it’s very similar to years past,” Meller said. “We have the demo derby. We have our parade. We have our bands. We have our pancake breakfast. We have our guest speakers.”

This year’s guest speakers are Robin Curtis and John Paladin.

Curtis played Lt. Saavik in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock — the theme for this year’s TrekFest — and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

“We always like having some of the actors to talk about what it was like being on the set and being part of something that stood the test of time,” Meller said.

Curtis will sign autographs at The Voyage Home Museum at 6 p.m., Friday.

Paladin is, among other things, a special effects makeup artist who has worked on Star Trek: Of Gods and Men and Star Trek: Kitumba.

Meller said that Paladin may even do some makeup demonstrations.

“It’s fun to watch someone get transformed into someone completely different,” Meller said.

Both Curtis and Paladin will take part in a question-and-answer session at either the Riverside Fire Station or Riverside City Hall at 2:30 p.m., Saturday.

“The location will depend on the weather,” Meller said.

Other Friday highlights include the demolition derby at 6 p.m., a Star Trek trivia contest at 8 p.m. in Railroad Park and a showing of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock at 10:30 p.m. in Hall Park.

Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 7-11:30 a.m.

The parade through downtown Riverside begins at 10 a.m., which is followed by a costume contest on the main stage in Hall Park.

There will be musical performers throughout TrekFest. They include:

• Rachel Baiman, 8:30-10 p.m., Friday.

• David Zollo, 7-9:45 a.m., Saturday.

• Scarlett Roxx, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Saturday.

• Tanya English Band, 4-7 p.m., Saturday.

• Boot Jack Band, 8-11 p.m., Saturday.

There will be numerous food vendors and activities throughout the event as well.

TrekFest will close with a fireworks show at dusk on Saturday.

“There are so many things to do,” Meller said. “No matter what you enjoy, there’s something for you here.”

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Riverside TrekFest

Saturday, Jun 29, 2024 at 7:00am

Trekfest 39

Get ready to boldly go where thousands have gone before! It’s Trekfest 39 on June 27th - 29th in Riverside, Iowa! Come enjoy tons of free activities for you and your family! This year's event will feature some of the best bands in the area on the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort-sponsored main stage. It will also feature some Star Trek Celebrity Guests!

This year's featured guests are Terry Farrell, Bonnie Gordon, David Q. Combs, Lolita Fatjo, and John Paladin.

SATURDAY: JUNE 29, 2024

7:00 AM - Holy Family Parish Breakfast Fundraiser $ - Riverside VFW Post 6414

7:30 AM - [R] Walk in registration begins for our 3rd annual Trekfest Model Show and Contest.

Registration closes at 12:00

8:00 AM - 9U Baseball Tournament -  Baseball Fields

Zumba/Fitness Activity - Tennis Court

Model Show opens for public viewing - Riverside VFW Post 6414

9:00 AM - [R] Sand Volleyball Tournament- Hall Park Volleyball Court

[R] $ Bloody Mary Bar (Call Ahead to Reserve Patio Seating) - La Chiva Loca

Trekfest Vendors {flea market/shopping}  -  Hall Park

10:00 AM - Parade - HWY 22 / Mainstreet

11:00 AM - Kids Zone Opens (Hop on In) - Hall Park

Shipyard Beer Tent Opens $ - Hall Park

Highland Wrestling Club Lunch Fundraiser $ - Hall Park

Face Painting $ - North End of Hall Park

[R] Sci-Fi Costume Contest Registration Begins - Main Stage Hall Park

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

[R] Sci-Fi Costume Contest - Main Stage Hall Park

12:00 PM - [R] Horseshoe Tournament  Registration Begins  at the VFW - Riverside VFW Post 6414

FREE EVENT! CARICATURE ARTIST 12:00 - 4:00PM - Hall Park

12:30 PM - $ Food Vendors Open 

[R] Kids Pedal Tractor Pull  Registration Begins  - North End of Hall Park on Ella

1:00 PM - Live Music  Bonnie Gordon of Star Trek Prodigy - Main Stage Hall Park

[R] Kids Pedal Tractor Pull - North End of Hall Park on Ella

Bingo - North Pavilion Hall Park

[R] Horseshoe Tournament - Riverside VFW Post 6414

2:30 PM - Guest Star Model Show Judging - Riverside VFW Post 6414

GUEST STAR Bonnie Gordon - will pick her "Celebrity Favorite"

Model Show Awards presentation - Riverside VFW Post 6414

Live Music Nothings Real - Main Stage Hall Park

State of Iowa Trivia with Author Megan Bannister  - North Pavilion Hall Park

4:00 PM - Guest Star Q & A Session - Riverside Fire Station

This will end with an Autograph & Photo Opportunity =$, don't miss out!!

[Q&A is a free event, Autographs/Photos must be purchased.]

5:30 PM - Live Music BAND Alisabeth Von Presley - Main Stage Hall Park

8:45 PM - Live Music BAND BTDT "Been There Done That" - Main Stage Hall Park

Dusk - Fireworks - Hall Park

9:30 PM - Live Music  BAND BTDT "Been There Done That" - Main Stage Hall Park

Date:  June 27 - 29, 2024

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TREKFEST-38

Greetings from the Riverside Area Community Club

We are back again with another exciting year TREKFEST-38! TrekFest is a community festival in Riverside Iowa, the future birthplace of Captain James T Kirk. A blend of small town festival and a celebration of all things Star Trek this years theme is "Quark's Bar!". This year, 2023 June 23/24, our special guest is: Chase Masterson! So come on down and celebrate with a Bajoran Ale in a special collectors can. Or be PROFESSIONALLY made to look like your favorite character at the John Paladin Fan Makeup event. For more information please visit our www site here: https://trekfest.org/ Please check the web site often for updates.

Thank you for your time. Respectfully yours, The RACC team https://riversideareacommunityclub.com/

For U.S. Postal Mail please send all correspondence to: Captain James T. Kirk C/O Riverside Area Community Club PO Box 55 Riverside IA 52327 USA

To contact the RACC WebMaster email: [email protected]

Event Supported By

37th Trek Fest held in Riverside

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The 37th annual Trek Fest was held in Riverside this weekend.

Riverside is the canonical birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk, the main character in the original television show played by William Shatner. The event had food, live music, as well activities for children such as bounce houses, and items for Star Trek fans such as autographs and collectibles

Two recurring actors from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine also made an appearance at this year’s festival.

Copyright 2022 KCRG. All rights reserved.

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Attractions

Local parks.

Riverside is very proud of its parks, which feature playground equipment, ballparks, lakes, shelters, and more. The  Parks and Recreation  page outlines the city's four parks.

Riverside, Iowa, is the future birthplace of Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk, and each summer, the city celebrates Trek Fest, held the last weekend in June. It's an annual celebration of all things Star Trek including costume contests, a fireworks show, a large parade and more.

• Trekfest Website

Voyage Home Museum

The Voyage Home History Center has collections on both the history of Riverside, Iowa, and the city's designation as the future birthplace of Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk. The gift shop includes t-shirts and Star Trek gifts. Call (319) 648-2226 to verify hours.

• Voyage Home Museum website

Riverside Casino and Golf Resort

The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort broke ground in the fall of 2005 and opened its doors in August 2006. The property contains a luxury hotel with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a span, an events center, restaurant, casino, sportsbook, and golf course.

3184 Highway 22 Riverside, IA 52327 ( Directions ) (319) 648-1234 Website

Area Communities

• Kalona, Iowa in the heart of Amish Country
• Washington, Iowa historic downtown district
• Coralville and Iowa City shopping and the University of Iowa
• Old Threshers Reunion annual gathering in Mt. Pleasant, south of Riverside
• Amana Colonies historic villages, shopping, artists

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• Model Show and Contest
• Flea Market Vendors
• Volleyball Tournament
• 8U Baseball Tournament
• Additional Information
• Images - Model Show
• As seen on...
• Official Facebook Page
• Riverside Community Club
• The Voyage Home Museum
• City of Riverside

aRE YOU HUNGRY

Pancake breakfast.

St Mary's Church in Riverside is hosting the pancake breakfast at the VFW on Saturday morning of Trekfest!

Beverage Tent

For  Trek Fest 39 [2024], In honor of Jadzia Dax, we are proudly offering a  'Trillsner' limited edition collectors can. - IMAGE ABOVE

YES!   a few Bajoran Ale Collectors cans - The Official Ale of Trek Fest 38  [2023] themed "Quark's Bar" are still available.  This is the 2023  limited edition collectors can.

Will there be other new beers this year?  Come find out!

We have the traditional best sellers along with some local favorites at our beverage tent.

Wrestling Club Meal

01/06/2024 = Tentative Schedule

You won't want to miss the awesome selection of meats that this group will be serving up!  Check them out after the parade on Saturday! 

More To Come

We will keep adding to the list as more things become confirmed.

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