Riverside may have to cancel “Trek Fest”

The future of “TrekFest” may be in jeopardy in Riverside. The community has hosted the event for nearly 30 years, after a city council member officially declared the city the birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk of Star Trek in 1984.

Last week the city council voted to not give the Riverside Area Community Club the roughly $10,000 it will need to put on the event.

“We are noted as the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk and I would hate for any damage to happen to that designation,” said former Mayor Bill Poch.

Poch said the loss of the event would be very negative for the local economy. Some critics of the event don't believe their local tax dollars should fund such an event. Supporters though, point to the fact that income from the Riverside Casino is allocated toward local tourism.

“That's where it's touchy, especially in a small town,” said business owner, Jerry Murphy. “They have the money, but they don't know where the money should go.”