Trek Expo episode 20

These are the voyages of the men and women of Trek Expo. Its 20-year, and counting, mission: to explore a variety of sci-fi cultures, to seek out new special guests and new ways to celebrate with fellow enthusiasts, to boldly go where no Trek Expo has gone before.

"In the 20 years of its existence, Trek Expo has played host to more than 150 different television and motion picture actors," according to R.A. Jones, the longtime Trek Expos emcee. "More than 80,000 fans have attended one or more of the Expos. They have come not only from all over the United States but also from Canada and Great Britain, and from as far away as Australia."

Jones offered up the following timeline of the hugely popular Trek Expo, which is Friday-Sunday at the UMAC John Q. Hammons Arena.



TREK EXPO: A TIMELINE

1989: Starbase 21, a Tulsa comic book and science fiction collectibles store, launches Trek Expo.

The first year, at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds, featured, among others, George Takei, who played Sulu on "Star Trek," and John de Lancie, who played Q on "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

1990: "Due to various circumstances, the show took place in a large vacant storefront in the middle of the Alameda Shopping Center," Jones recalled.

1994: Expo moved to the Marriott Hotel.

1996: "As part of the celebration leading up to the 20th anniversary of the first 'Star Wars' film, the Expo hosted 'The Men Behind the Mask': David Prowse ("Darth Vader"), Kenny Baker ("R2D2"), Jeremy Bulloch ("Bobba Fett") and Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca")."

1998: Expo moved to what is now the QuikTrip center, and featured William Shatner, Captain Kirk on "Star Trek."

"Efforts were underway to bring Shatner's co-star from the original series DeForest Kelley ("Bones") to the next Expo, but the veteran character actor sadly passed away before such plans could be finalized. He is the only member of the series' original cast not to be a guest at Trek Expo."

1999: "The final member of the Trek triumvirate, Leonard Nimoy ("Spock") made his first visit to Trek Expo.

2001: "James Doohan ("Scotty") came to the Expo. Jimmy was already suffering from poor health at that time, and Trek Expo was one of the last conventions he was able to attend before his passing in 2005.

"Also attending the Expo that year was TV's "Batman" Adam West and, from "Hercules," Kevin Sorbo.

"At one point, Kevin auctioned off a signed pair of his underwear for charity, with the winning bid coming in excess of $3,000.

"By this point, Trek Expo had become such a large and eagerly anticipated event that fans would literally camp out on the sidewalk in front of Starbase 21 for as long as three days in order to be among the first to purchase reserve seat tickets for the show."

2005: Expo moved to UMAC John Q. Hammons Arena.

"One fan decided he wanted to propose to his girlfriend from the Expo stage. Unfortunately, he was a little too nervous and stage-shy to do so himself, so the actual proposal — in front of an audience of hundreds — was made by Expo emceeJones. She accepted."

2006: Expo stage becomes marriage altar.

"The couple each wore Trek-themed clothing. One of our guest stars, who was gracious enough to actually be a member of the wedding party, was former Miss America and Barnaby Jones co-star Lee Meriwether."

1999 to present: "Trek Expo hosts the "Supper With the Stars," with all the proceeds from this mix-and-mingle event being donated to the Tulsa Boys' Home. To date, the event has raised over $35,000 for the home."

1989-present: "Every Expo has featured a charity auction. Various causes have benefited from this, with nearly $20,000 of the money raised going to award college scholarships to deserving area boys and girls."



TREK EXPO

What: Three days of stars from science fiction TV and films, including Leonard Nimoy, Avery Brooks, Marina Sirtis and more

When: Friday through Sunday at Union Multipurpose Activity Center (UMAC), 6836 S. Mingo Road

Tickets: tulsaworld.com/trekexpo and at Starbase 21, 8222 E. 103rd St.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/Scene/article.aspx?subjectid=272&articleid=20090625_272_D3_Volunt200555