As I entered, there was a large crowd going in several directions. Some were in line to get something to eat. Many were going into shops, looking for souvenirs and keepsakes. Some were going into the upper floors, seeking to experience thrills. Costumed characters were walking around, interacting with the crowd, never letting their character slip, making sure everyone knew they were welcome.

At first glance, you would never guess that you were witnessing the end of a major attraction at it's current location, but I was. I was in Las Vegas at the Hilton, witnessing one of the last days of Star Trek The Experience at it's current home. September 1^st will see the final shows and the final lowering of the gates at this little piece of the future in our time.

Since the announcement of the closing, fans have been making their feelings known very loudly and clearly via the Internet. According to sources, over 5,000 emails have been received by CBS, the owners of the Star Trek franchise, asking them to step in and save this attraction. They have also been registering their opinions in many other ways. Even the Clark County Commission got involved, passing a resolution recognizing the Experience for it's eleven year run and calling for it to remain in Vegas.

Thankfully, the outcry has not fallen on deaf ears. According to Leslie Ryan, a spokesperson for CBS Consumer Products, who was interviewed by the Las Vegas Sun, CBS is committed to moving the experience to a new location in Las Vegas if possible. If that is not possible, they will relocate it to a new location somewhere. The big problem is that it was designed for the space it occupies in the Hilton so it's not just a simple pack up and move situation. In a interview with Trekmovie.com, another CBS spokesman stated that the props and costumes used at the Experience will NOT be put up for auction as they will be needed when the Experience returns.

While this is good news for Trekkies all over, there is a factor that is not changing. Over 150 employees at the Experience are losing their jobs and while some have found new jobs, many have not. This, however, has not caused a mass exodus by employees as a closing usually causes in businesses. In fact, everyone is committed to sticking it out to the end, including folks who have new jobs, but have arranged to start them after September 1^st, or working around their schedule.

Chad Boutte, Director of Operations and Marketing for the Experience credits this to the family spirit that exists there. “When you make an announcement, informing staff that there are two months left of employment, as you can imagine the fear of exit is grand; and a person in my position can only do everything they possibly can to try to get folks to stay. But I tell you, to my surprise, it has been very shocking, that because there is passion, commitment, and a loyalty to fans, my staff is still here.”

Chad went on to tell me of plans for the final show at the Experience on September 1^st, which will be a formal decommissioning ceremony. “Our staff is so excited about our decommissioning ceremony on September 1^st. Obviously, we have lived our life together on a ship and we're going to exit that ship in a formal, proper way.” Along with the ceremony, there will be one final wedding held on the bridge set, limited to the first 25 couples who apply.

Rumors are swirling concerning the fate of the space now occupied by the Experience, ranging from a possible Barry Manilow themed restaurant to a theater for Michael Jackson to perform in, according to Hilton staff members who spoke to me on condition of anonymity. Whatever goes in there, there is one thing that the Hilton can not take away from all of us and that is the memories of the place, the staff, and the spirit there.

One notable thing I saw in my final visit to the Experience at it's current location was two walls, filling up rapidly with messages from fans, expressing regrets over the closure, best wishes to the staff, and their thanks for everything. It is something I've not witnessed since fans left messages for Elvis on the outer walls of Graceland when he passed away in 1977. The messages came from all types of people from many different walks of life with one central message, which I want to sum up with this filk version of the immortal song made famous by Bob Hope:

Thanks for the memories

Of things we can't forget, of walking on the set

Of getting to sit in THAT chair and a picture to prove it yet,

How lucky we were.

And thanks for the memories

Of a smoking Warp Core Breach, Of Klingons we got to meet

Of Borgs and clothed Ferengi women we did get to greet

How unique it was.

Oh, that incredible beamup,

Into a chamber we have all dreamed of,

Our expressions you would see,

And fight so hard to conceal your glee,

So thanks for the memories,

Every visit was a thrill, we feel the joy still

A special place in our hearts, you will always fill

and Thank You, so much.

Photos:  Wikipedia.org, TrekMovie.com 

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