| Deep Space Iowa: The Captain Kirk Museum | Alex Ratner |
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Star date 6-28-2003: We seem to have taken a wrong turn and ended up in a small farming community on planet Earth. Having sent out a scouting crew to find lavatory facilities we find the town is completely deserted. |
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The Captain: Spock where are we? Spock: Captain, my readings tell me we are in Riverside, Iowa, a small settlement about 12 minutes from our destination of Iowa City. That's odd; the life readings are going off the chart, yet who would ever come to a desolate place such as this? The Captain: Spock! What could it be? Spock: Wait, Captain! My Vulcan sense tells me something is heading straight for us. The Captain: Great Scott! Look there! A large group of parading Romulans, Vulcans, Klingons, and, my God ... Star Fleet officers! And they look like they're having a fantastic time. Spock: Captain, I feel strong urge to march with them. The Captain: Spock! I feel it too! What are we to do? Spock: Captain, I suggest we... boogie down! Spock joins the parade. The Captain: I must... resist... temptation... but I can't help myself from having... fun! |
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Every year on the last weekend in June, trekkies from all over the nation make a pilgrimmage to Riverside, Iowa, to partake in the town's annual Trek Fest. This phenomenon is the brainchild of Riverside City Council Member Steve Miller. In March of 1985, Miller suggested to the City Council, which was looking for a theme for the annual town festival, to celebrate Riverside as the future birthplace of James Tiberius Kirk, the infamous captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise on NBC's late 1960s sci-fi series "Star Trek." The future historical birth, which is set to take place on March 22, 2228, is also celebrated annually by the people of Riverside. "I had read in Stephen Whitefield and Gene Roddenberry's 'Making of Star Trek' that Kirk was born in a small town in Iowa," said Miller. "So out of the clear blue sky, I made a motion at the City Council meeting that we designate Riverside as Kirk's future birthplace." "I proposed to keep it a small town celebration, but with a Star Trek theme," added Miller. "Although they were taken by surprise, the motion passed unanimously." Events at a typical Riverside Trek Fest can include anything from Star Trek-themed pet shows and demolition derbies, to Kirk look-alike contests. This summer's Fest will feature a "Spockapalooza" battle of the bands and lawn mower "trektor" pull. Sometimes, if you're lucky, a special celebrity host will be honored from the original "Star Trek" television series. Last year's special host was silver screen legend Charles Napier, who appeared several times on the show. If you plan to stay in Riverside itself, bring an RV or some type of camping equipment because the closest hotel is about 20 minutes away. For dining, there will be several food booths and beer gardens available during the Fest for your eating and drinking pleasure. |
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Getting there: Riverside is located in eastern Iowa 15 miles south of the I-80/US 380 interchange, which is about 12 miles south of Iowa City. (I got a map) Weather: It's going to probably be swelteringly hot so dress accordingly. Lodging Tips: Bring camping equipment if you don't have an RV. Dealing with the Locals: Don't be alarmed if people are overly friendly or nice. Thats just their way. And don't forget the "non-interference" directive. For more information, call the Riverside Area Community Club at 319-648-KIRK. |
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