So, as expected, Trek in the Park got off to a rousing start this weekend, packing the little amphitheater and surrounding meadow at Woodlawn Park with a few hundred giggling, cat-calling nerds dressed up, in varying degrees, with official Starfleet regalia. (Maybe that was just me? And, no, people aren't lying when they tell you to show up three hours early to get good seats.)

Anyway, there was a bit of a surprise before the inaugural run of this year's episode, "Mirror, Mirror." Mayor Sam Adams showed up to cozy up to the geeks and solemnly read an official proclamation that forevermore designates July in Portland as Star Trek (in the Park) Month. Which puts the hallowed franchise on a par with comics, dining, and also black history. (Yay, Portland?)

The mayor got props for his comeback when someone heckled his salutation of "Hello, fellow nerds!"..."What kind of show do you think this is?" But then he lost them when he mistakenly said January instead of July. Read the text of the official proclamation below. And go see the damned show this weekend, or any other weekend in July.

Whereas, Trek
in the Park, over the last 3 years has recruited and gathered the most
enthusiastic artisans, musicians, and actors to produce an annual
intergalactic journey for their audience, in their own backyard.

Whereas, Trek
in the Park is more than willing to passionately, and unapologetically,
express their love for the stories they tell and are proud to do
perform in a city where the people are just as diverse as the characters
in they play (Mirror Universe included) and attempt to share the same
messages of unity and understanding that Star Trek conveys.

Whereas, Trek
in the Park has broken new ground not only in theatre, but in the
celebration of pop culture and made it's home, Portland, Oregon, an
Enterprise for entertainment in the Northwest and across the country.


Whereas, Trek
in the Park encourages the people of Portland to not only look to the
stars, but to also celebrate and explore the city around them and all
she has to offer.

Whereas, Trek
in the Park, along with its parent, Atomic Arts, will continue to serve
the fine city they call home and will energize audiences for the years
to come, and wherever they go next, they will Boldly Go.

Now, therefore, I,
Sam Adams, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,”
do hereby proclaim the month of July to be Star Trek (in the Park) Month
in Portland. I am, and always shall be, your friend. And I encourage
you to observe this month as you see fit. Live Long, and Prosper.