Thanks for the friends. Thanks for the fun. Thanks for the memories.
45 years ago The Walker Family started a phenomenon called StarFest. Sometimes fans were treated to a StarCon halfway through the year, but most of the time it was StarFest in April. Denver area nerds have loyally attended these events that have taken over hotels such as the Holiday Inn, The Marriott, and now the Hyatt. They came with their suitcases of cosplay, balcony decorations, and memorabilia to get autographed. They came with excitement to meet starship captains like William Shatner and Patrick Stewart, and even more big names like Tom Cruise, Christian Bale Leonard Nimoy, Francis Ford Coppola, John Travolta, and 45 years of name dropping!
KathE Walker, along with her husband Stephen and sister Katoline Jobin, ran the event that later had help from her sons. This past weekend. On May 13-15, 2022, it was KathE who was stopped by attendees of the final StarFest and given hugs and sincere thanks for the years of joy.
The Saturday night staples: The costume contest and the Federation Ball were extra-emotional with tributes to their beloved emcee, Kevin Atkins, and the DJ playing one final song telling the crowded dance floor that this would be the final song of StarFest. Yes, there were plenty of tears over the weekend. Yet much of the emotions were from friends that had not seen each other in three years, no thanks to the pandemic. Klingons in full armor would go giddy at the sight of a friend they had not seen. The bar was filled with drinks and old stories of good times.
The cosplayers went all out for this final StarFest.
Then there was the glorious 12th floor!
When entering the space the attendee would immediately see the talented comic artists of ComicFest. Stroll around and fans marveled at the models of ModelFest, and the artwork of ArtFest. Just out the windows were the 12th-floor view of the Rocky Mountains. It was pretty stunning, actually.
Board gamers tested their strategy at GameFest.
The guests this year were fun and included Brent Spiner, Michelle Hurd, Eddie McClintock, Nick Creegan, Zach McGowan, Terry Farrell, and more. There was always something to do with interesting and informative panels, celebrity speakers, board gaming, amazing artwork, cool models to check out including working R2-D2 droids, and artists like R. Alan Brooks, Zach Howard, and Moriah Hummer to meet.
There were hugs and tears aplenty as it was an emotional weekend. The friendships and memories made over the years will last StarFest fans a lifetime. So long, StarFest, and “thanks for the fish!”
Be sure to check out our interview with Dr. Erin Macdonald: The Science Consultant for the entire “Star Trek” franchise!
Written by Colleen Bement
entertainment. A social media addict, she soaks up all life has to offer! Tea snob.
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