Fans set to boldly go to third annual ‘Trekonderoga’
TICONDEROGA, N.Y. » If you think “Trekonderoga” sounds like something out of a science fiction story – you are close to being right. It’s the name of a convention of Star Trek fans known as “Trekkies.” They will be gathering in Ticonderoga this weekend.
This is the third year of “Trekonderoga” and the organizer James Cawley is expecting between 800 to 1,000 people to attend the event.
It’s three days of immersion into the world of the original Star Trek. Starting mid-day today, continuing through Sunday afternoon, fans will get to meet eight actors who performed on the original series. Two -- Walter Koenig who played Ensign Chekhov and Nichelle Nichols who played Lieutenant Uhura — were regulars on the show. Lee Merriweather, a former Miss America who had a strong guest appearance in a memorable episode, will also be in Ticonderoga.
All eight former cast members will be available for panel discussions, Q& A sessions and general meet and greets. Photo opportunities are also scheduled. They, like other events, will have additional fees.
According to Cawley, one of the things that sets “Trekonderoga” apart from other Star Trek conventions is that it takes place aboard the original starship Enterprise.
Well, if not the ship, an authentic recreation of the studio in which the series was filmed. Cawley spent 14 years researching the original set and has built an exactingly accurate studio at 112 Montcalm Avenue in Ticonderoga. Tours of the studio are available to the public most of the year, but this weekend it is the site of the Star Trek gathering.
Cawley is determined that “Trekonderoga” not be like a typical Comic Con or Star Trek convention. “I’ve been to those conventions only to discover that the fans do not have access to their heroes,” he said. “This is much more intimate, close up and personal. Our guests will be able to interact with our celebrities on a personal level.”
He says one cannot understate the importance of fans being able to walk on the Star Trek set. “People will be able to sit in the captain’s chair on the bridge, visit the transporter room and sick bay, as well as the engineering deck,” Cawley said.
It’s all been built based on the original specs that Cawley researched. However, the dimensions of the set are only part of the wonder, he says. “Blueprints can only show so much. We have the dimensions right and all the rooms are in the right place but it doesn’t show the right colors and the special designs on objects.
For this, Cawley had to sort through what he calls “thousands and thousands of publicity photos” and screen shots of actual episodes. He also interviewed hundreds of people who worked on the show. “It’s as authentic as is humanly possible,” he says describing the layout.
Besides panel talks, tours and photo ops at “Trekonderoga” there are evening pleasures as well. Today there is the “Mess Dress Dinner” at which everyone is invited to come in costume, without it being mandatory. (Reservations are already closed.)
On Saturday night there is a concert at which Cawley merges his full-time occupation with what he calls his “own version of Disneyland.” Cawley will entertain the crowd with his Elvis show.
Yes, Cawley is one of the most respected and popular Elvis Presley impersonators in the country. He’s been touring the world as Elvis for 22 years.
He insists Elvis and Star Trek are not that strange a connection. “I find whenever I meet with someone who was with Star Trek and they find out what I do, they’d rather talk about Elvis than Star Trek.” He suggests the connection is that Elvis, like Captain Kirk, is a bigger-than-life figure.
If you crave bigger than life, “Trekonderoga” takes place today through Sunday, August 25-27. For schedule information and prices go to startrektour.com or call (518) 369-9967.