KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsRecord crowd expected for Iowa TrekFest
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Associated Press - June 27, 2009 10:04 AM ET
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - More than 8,000 fans of "Star Trek" are expected to converge on Riverside for its 25th annual TrekFest this weekend.
The 2-day event began Friday in the southeast Iowa town, which has dubbed itself the birthplace of the "Star Trek" character Capt. James T. Kirk.
Trek creator Gene Roddenberry had already designated Iowa as Kirk's birthplace, so city officials asked if Riverside could claim Kirk as 1 of its own. Roddenberry agreed and TrekFest was born.
Organizers say the festival will feature a pet show to see which animal most resembles Trek character Mr. Spock. There will also be a demolition derby, a scavenger hunt, a greased pig contest, a carnival and fireworks.
The highlight will be a parade featuring former cast members Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols and George Takei.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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