JERSEY SHORE – Star Trek fans throughout New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and beyond will be shuttling down to Lancaster Pennsylvania this weekend for the 45th annual Shore Leave convention which not only features actors from Star Trek but other science fiction sagas as well.
The Jersey Shore Chapter of STARFLEET: The International STAR TREK Fan Association, the USS Challenger will be among those heading to this event with an “away team” of at least five of their membership. The group meets monthly at the Seaside Heights Community Center at 1 p.m. each first Sunday of the month. The center is located at 1000 Bay Boulevard in the borough.
Shore Leave, the longest-running fan-run science fiction media convention is enjoying a milestone year. The event will take place July 11–13, 2025, at the Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center. Organized by the STAT Club of Maryland, Shore Leave offers a weekend filled with celebrity guests, panels, workshops, and unique fan experiences.
Celebrity guests this year includes stars from many beloved sci-fi franchises:
- Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Walking Dead, The Suicide Squad)
- Michael Ironside (Top Gun, Total Recall, Starship Troopers)
- Adrianne Palicki (The Orville, Agents of SHIELD, Friday Night Lights)
- J. Lee (The Orville, American Dad, Family Guy)
- James Frain (Star Trek: Discovery, True Blood, Tron Legacy)
- Melissa Navia (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Billions, Dietland)
- Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers)
- Seth Gilliam and Cooper Andrews (The Walking Dead)
- Tracee Cocco and Stephanie Czajkowski (Multiple Star Trek Series)
- Kathy Coleman and Wesley Eure (Land of the Lost)
Attendees can participate in photo ops, autograph sessions, and the “Fest With Our Guests” dinner event, featuring an Italian buffet and opportunities to dine with select celebrities. Proceeds from this event support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society.
The fan run convention offers a diverse range of activities such as panels on Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and many other subjects. There will also be science presentations from institutions like NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute.
There will also be over 40 authors performing readings, panels, and autograph sessions. Writing workshops led by professional authors. Stargazing sessions on Friday and Saturday nights are always popular.
The event offers a 15,000 square foot vendor hall featuring unique merchandise, a gallery of sci-fi and fantasy artwork plus gaming rooms, cosplay events, and the “Ten Forward” all-ages dance party.
Weekend memberships are available at the door for $140. Single-day passes and discounted rates for teens and youth are also offered. Active-duty military personnel receive a $10 discount.
Discounted hotel rates are available at several nearby hotels, including the Cartoon Network Hotel and Fairfield Inn & Suites. For more information, visit shore-leave.com.
For more information about the USS Challenger, visit usschallenger.org, or e-mail beamaboard@aol.com
