Earlier this year, we beamed down to TrekFest at Riverside, Iowa, the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner). “I’m from Iowa. I only work in outer space,” Kirk says to marine biologist Dr. Gillian Taylor (Catherine Hicks) in the beloved film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Kirk explains the mission to save the whales in Dr. Taylor’s care and succeeds in charming her and the audience with his Midwestern background. The film’s heartwarming connection to 20th Century Earth can still be felt today in Riverside, Iowa.
Riverside, Iowa honors the legacy of Kirk by proclaiming itself as the “future birthplace” of the fictional character. The town hosts Trek Fest every June to celebrate Kirk’s Iowa roots and draws fans from all over the world.
Riverside History
The homage to Star Trek’s famous captain began in 1985. The Riverside City Council voted to proclaim the town as Kirk’s future birthplace as the theme for the annual summer festival. And 39 years later, the Trek in Riverside lives on! Star Trek continues to honour the connection. According to Travis Riggan, President of the Riverside Community Club and Trek Fest chairman, “We have been trademarked and recognized by Paramount Pictures.”
Additionally, the location became part of James T. Kirk’s newest incarnation when he proclaimed Riverside as his hometown in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds second-season episode “Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.” The “Riverside Shipyards” also appear in Star Trek (09).
Along with the festival, the town offers a living fan space that brings joy to all who visit. There are delta shields on the sidewalk crossings, Enterprise-like starships on the street signs, and images from the Original Series all over the area. The post office even has replicas of the Star Trek USPS stamps on the side of the building. This year’s Trek Fest guest of honour was Iowa native Terry Farrell.
Planning a Trip?
Don’t worry: If you missed TrekFest 39, you can still go to Riverside to see the birthplace marker and The Voyage Home Museum. Are you thinking about attending the 40th anniversary of Trek Fest? Save the date: June 26-28, 2024. Riverside Travel information and more: https://riversideareacommunityclub.com/
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