Boldly celebrating ‘Star Trek’
These are the voyages fans can take to mark 50 years since the mission began
Sept. 8 marks the 50th anniversary of the television debut of “Star Trek,” a pop culture phenomenon that hatched a galaxy of spinoffs and knockoffs despite Jupiter-size odds.
Never too popular with critics or the general public, the series ran for just three seasons — 79 episodes. It required hardcore, letterwriting fans to keep the starship Enterprise active that long (and longer). And they were out there.
What set “Star Trek” apart from other sci-fi programs was creator Gene Roddenberry’s plots cloned to larger issues, like racism and militarism. Adding to its enduring appeal were the tension and affinity among this “space opera’s” main characters, including Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner), his logicdriven first officer Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy played the half-Vulcan) and the feisty doctor, Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley).
The golden anniversary — plus a new movie in July and TV series in 2017 — makes this a banner year for all generations of “Star Trek” fans. Here’s where to beam down and celebrate. Enterprise in Emerald City Through Feb. 27, 2017: EMP Museum, Seattle
This pop culture museum has gone all out for the anniversary with “Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds,” an exhibition that examines the impact of the franchise on everything from culture to fashion.
The showcase, which debuted in May, includes more than 100 items, such as original scripts; Kirk’s command chair and the navigation console from the ’60s; Spock’s tunic; and a dress worn by Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols). Among the coolest interactive stops is a transporter simulator where you can create a film that shows you being beamed to another location. Selfie ops abound. So far, the museum says, the most popular pose is alongside the reptilian Gorn costume. www.emp museum.org/startrek Kirk’s hometown in Iowa June 24-25: Trek Fest, Riverside, Iowa
Roddenberry once wrote that Kirk hailed from a small town in Iowa. In 1985, tiny Riverside proclaimed itself the captain’s future birthplace. So began the annual festival that includes a parade and fireworks and such small-town staples as a carnival, talent show and kickball tourney. New this year: a 5K run, costumes encouraged.
The hourlong parade proceeds to the Voyage Home Riverside History Center, 361 E. First St., stocked with Enterprise models, show photos and “Star Trek” costumes. Part of a room is given over to Shatner’s prank visit to Riverside in 2004 for Spike TV’s “Invasion Iowa,” a cable show that chronicled the making of a fake sci-fi movie. The display includes several of Shatner’s unfinished cigars. Speaking of butts, the loo in the museum’s restroom mimics the Enterprise’s bridge, so you are, essentially, doing your business in the captain’s chair.
Nearby is a marker noting the “Future Birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk, March 22, 2228.” A waggish plaque on the wall of Murphy’s Bar & Grill downtown says Kirk will be conceived there. www.trekfest.com
The celebration continues in Iowa City, where University of Iowa Libraries is hosting an exhibit through Aug. 5 that’s focused on the franchise’s early years and rabid fandom. On display are a program from the first “Star Trek” convention and the first “Star Trek” fanzine, as well as a section dedicated to ’80s “Star Trek” movies. www .lib.uiowa.edu/gallery Starfleet Academy Through Sept. 5 in Ottawa, Ontario, and July 9 to Oct. 31 in New York: “Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience”
EMS — a producer of traveling edu-tainment spectacles — is staging the immersive “Starfleet Academy Experience” at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Manhattan.
Become a cadet and experience situations from various “Trek” incarnations while learning some real-life science and technology in the process. Interactive and tech-driven touches include a target game with phasers and holograms. www.starfleetacademy tour.com Starship at Smithsonian Starting July 1: National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
The as-seen-on-TV model of the starship Enterprise from the original series has been newly renovated, and the 11-by-5 model will be back on display July 1.
The museum notes that “the fictional ship grossed 190,000 tons and measured 947 feet long and 417 feet in diameter. The saucershaped hull included 11 decks, and had a crew complement of 430.”
A spokeswoman said the museum also plans to celebrate “Star Trek’s” 50th anniversary with special programs in September. www.airand space.si.edu Sulu in Sin City Aug. 3-7: “Star Trek Las Vegas”
Unlike San Diego’s Comic-Con, this fan fest focuses entirely on the “Star Trek” world.
Various “Star Trek” actors will be at the Rio AllSuite Hotel and Casino, including biggies like Shatner, George Takei (Sulu) and Walter Koenig (Chekov).
The event has sold out, but the website has a page for online ticket auctions. www.creationent.com/ cal/st_lasvegas.html
(Tickets are still available for a Sept. 9-11 fan fest at the Westin O’Hare Hotel in suburban Chicago; www.creationent.com /cal/stchi.htm.)
For something out of this world, go gravity-free with Sulu.
On Aug. 4 in Vegas, Takei will take part in a “Zero-G Experience” on a modified Boeing 727 with 20 passengers. It comes with a lofty price tag: $6,500. www.gozerog.com Trek to the Big Apple Sept, 2-4: “Star Trek: Mission New York”
Interactive exhibits, panels and screenings are on tap at this Javits Center gathering. Shatner, Koenig and many more are scheduled to appear. www.star trekmissions.com