Donations save Riverside TrekFest after city backs out

RIVERSIDE (AP) ? This year?s TrekFest won?t be beamed up to Scotty after all.

The Mindbridge Foundation this week unanimously voted to give the final $5,000 necessary to ensure the annual festival continues.

The event celebrating Riverside?s self-titled claim as the ?future birthplace? of ?Star Trek? Capt. James T. Kirk had been in doubt because of financial woes. The Riverside City Council, citing the fact that the event didn?t make any money a year ago, recently voted not to fund the $10,000 needed to put on this year?s TrekFest.

But Mindbridge?s board responded to pleas for donations made by The Riverside Area Community Club, the organization sponsoring the festival.

?Our role is to promote science fiction and give back, and TrekFest is a wonderful thing that is deserving of that support,? said Mindbridge representative Dennis Lynch, whose non-profit group helps organize science fiction, anime, animation and gaming conventions in eastern Iowa.

Organizers said TrekFest plays a key role in creating additional revenue for local businesses and funding for various needs in Riverside throughout the year, including academic scholarships for local youth.

?Like it or not, I think it?s a great thing that Riverside has that designation as the ?future birthplace of Captain Kirk,?? former mayor Bill Poch said. ?The community needs to embrace it and support TrekFest. It is money well spent ? profits are turned back into the community 100 percent.?

This year?s festival starts June 24 with a children?s parade and a pet show. Other events at this year?s TrekFest include a volleyball tournament, a costume contest and a main parade with an ?Assignment: Earth? theme.