Chekov to Appear at Trek Fest

The 24th annual Trek Fest is a small-town festival with a Star Trek theme. Riverside, Iowa is known worldwide as the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk - the character played by William Shatner on the original 1960's "Star Trek" TV series.

The Riverside Area Community Club (RACC) is pleased to announce Walter Koenig (Chekov character on the original Star Trek TV series) will beam into Riverside, Iowa on June 27th & 28th for the 24th annual Trek Fest. Koenig will act as the Grand Marshall in the town parade (10 AM Saturday morning) and judge a costume contest and sign autographs.

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Walter Koenig (who played Chekov in the original 1960's Star Trek TV series) will appear at Trek Fest in Riverside, Iowa (June 27-28). Photo courtesy of Walter Koenig.

RACC president, Carol Riggan, said, "We are thrilled to have Mr. Koenig this year. The Voyage Home - Riverside History Center just opened and Mr Koenig will participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday the 27th at 7pm. One exhibit in the museum will feature photos, books and various other memorabilia as a tribute to Walter Koenig."

Riverside, Iowa is known worldwide as the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk. In 2004, William Shatner (who played Kirk) came to town and filmed a Spike TV reality show called "Invasion Iowa." Shatner tricked the town into thinking he was filming a movie, but was really filming the town's reaction to the craziness of Hollywood. Scotty Riggan (Carol's husband) appeared in the show as Shatner's personal assistant. Scotty will carry on this tradition for Mr. Koenig working as his personal assistant during his stay in Iowa.

Scotty said, "Working with Mr Shatner was a thrill of a lifetime and it will be an honor to work with Mr. Koenig - and future celebrities we invite each year."

Trek Fest's 2008 theme is called Bread and Circuses, a second season episode title of Star Trek. A variety of family activities are planned including a demolition derby, a garden tractor pull, carnival rides, live music, costume contest, a Sci-Fi vendor area and much more. This is a small-town fair with a Sci-Fi flair. Money raised by RACC is used to help out the community such as academic scholarships. RACC also sponsors special projects like new playground equipment.

For more festival information, call 319-648-KIRK (5475) or visit www.trekfest.com.

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