The future birthplace of Captain Kirk is dealing with the passing of Mr. Spock. Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the original Star Trek series and continued playing the character in the recent Star Trek films, died Friday at the age of 83.

Riverside is home to Trek Fest in addition to being the future birthplace of the series’ other main character. Ken McCracken is president of the Riverside Area Community Club, the group that plans the city’s annual celebration, and grew up watching the television program with his family. McCracken says it hits home having someone he’s watched onscreen throughout the years pass. He adds his favorite installments in the Star Trek franchise, The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home, were directed by Nimoy.

The 31st annual Trek Fest is scheduled for June 27th and 28th. To learn more about this year’s festival, the them, and McCracken’s thoughts on the passing of Nimoy, listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa.