TrekFest draws big crowds, despite rain showers

The off-and-on rain did little to dampen the spirits of attendees of TrekFest XXXVI in Riverside on Friday and Saturday.

People came from all over the region to celebrate the official future birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk.

On Saturday morning, many “Trekkies” were dressed up in various Star Trek-themed costumes for the parade and the costume contest

Erick Lu of St. Louis, who came a Commander Spock, saw the rain shower prior to the costume contest as a positive thing.

“I have been to TrekFest multiple times,” Lu said. “It’s usually so hot, so I love this beautiful rainy weather. It’s just wonderful. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Tre Quinn of St. Louis, dressed as Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, said that she agreed to come to her first TrekFest at Lu’s behest.

“I’ve never been to TrekFest,” Quinn said. “This is my first time, and we’re just having a great time.”

Mary Cichanowski of Pickwick, Minnesota, a TrekFest veteran, traveled to Riverside with her friend, Pam McLaughlin of Zion, Illinois.

“We’re longtimers,” Cichanowski said. “We come for the camaraderie. It’s fun. I like the people, and I love the apple pie.”

James Coree traveled to Riverside from Indiana.

“Ten plus years ago, my mom brought me here,” Coree said. “I found the (Capt. Kirk) birth marker, and it was like I had come home. Every year, it’s been my yearly pilgrimage.

“Since things were derailed last year, I was coming this year come hell or high water.”

On Friday, fans lined up at The Voyage Home Museum to meet Robin Curtis, the actor who 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.

“Getting cast to play Lt. Saavik was one of the luckiest days of my life,” Curtis said. “Look at this, 37 years later I’m standing here with all you good people.”

Curtis also served as the honored guest during Saturday morning’s TrekFest parade, riding in the front seat of a Corvette.

The sky opened up with a brief shower just as the parade was ending but cleared just prior to the start of the costume contest.

Curtis was one of three judges of the contest, which featured categories like Vulcan, Federation and Star Fleet.

Curtis has nothing but praise for TrekFest and its spirit.

“This is what conventions should be and used to be in the old days,” she said. “I’m so grateful that TrekFest XXXVI is carrying on the traditions of just good old-fashioned fun, community involvement and engaging everyone in one way or another.

“It doesn’t get any better — the parade, the apple pie fundraiser, the costume contest and people coming out whether it’s raining or not. I’m just in awe. I love it. This is what floats my boat. This is my jam.”