'Trekkies' go for new record at Riverside

Riverside, Iowa could soon be known for more than being the self-proclaimed future birthplace of fictional character Captain James T. Kirk of USS Enterprise and Star Trek fame. The city could hold a record in the Guinness Book of World Records.

On Saturday, Star Trek fanatics from across the nation gathered for the 26th Annual Trek Fest.  This year's goal was to break the world record for, “Largest gathering of people dressed as Star Trek characters.” The original record was set in London, at Millennium Bridge, back in February with ninety-nine, “trekkies” or Star Trek fanatics in attendance.

“If London can do it so can we,” said one fully dressed fan from the crowd.

Even the eighty degree weather did not stop these true fans from attending the event in full attire. Organizer of the event, Fred Monfeli said, “You've heard the phrase ‘you don't have to be crazy to do this job but it helps.' Well, you don't necessarily have to be crazy to be a Star Trek fan, but it doesn't hurt that either.”

All participants had to be in full costume in order to be counted. There were a few people that were partly dressed up that did not make the cut.  The crowd was led into an empty tennis court in groups of twenty-five to make the counting process a little easier.

“We got photos, video, it is all documented,” said Monfeli.

Although there was no Guinness representative or official at the event, the number that will be sent to Guinness will be 153, which will break the record set in London, but it will not be official for four to six weeks.

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