Fifteen years ago, the Star Trek universe exploded out of the 23rd Century and into the 24th Century with the premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It took a little while for Star Trek fans to adjust to the strange new worlds of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, since until 1987, Star Trek had meant three seasons of television episodes and a handful of newer films. TNG changed all of that.

Next weekend, Creation Entertainment will be celebrating in Pasadena with "The Official 15th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation Convention." This event, commencing on the exact date of TNG's premiere, will feature the show's stars, performances, props and costumes from the upcoming TNG movie "Star Trek Nemesis," and the first Star Trek convention appearance by James Cromwell, who appeared in both TNG the series (as Nayrock in the episode "The Hunted" and as Shrek in "Birthright") and in "Star Trek: First Contact" as Zefram Cochrane.

The convention will kick off Friday, September 27th with appearances by Marina Sirtis ("Deanna Troi") and Michael Dorn ("Worf"). Later Friday evening, Sirtis and Dorn will also be performing excerpts from Neil Simon's comedy "Plaza Suite."

Saturday will feature appearances by Patrick Stewart ("Jean-Luc Picard"), Jonathan Frakes ("William Riker"), Gates McFadden ("Dr. Beverly Crusher") and Wil Wheaton ("Wesley Crusher"). Later on Saturday, McFadden will be performing a one-woman comedy show and will also be joining Wheaton, who will be reading some of his writings as part of Creation's "Mother and Son Reunion" (a nod to their TNG characters' relationship).

Sunday's scheduled appearances include Brent Spiner ("Data"), James Cromwell and John Logan, who penned the script for the upcoming "Star Trek Nemesis." Other events throughout the convention include the auction of an Enterprise set visit to benefit charity, special "Star Trek Nemesis" presentations, Collectable Appraisals and a Celebrity Autograph room, plus the game show The Weakest Link will be looking for contestants for an upcoming Star Trek-themed version of the show.

For more information on the event, visit the Creation Entertainment site via the link below.

Talk about the 15th Anniversary of TNG on the Star Trek Message Boards!