If this summer simply hasn't been hot enough for you, then we suggest you set coordinates to the Nevada desert for this year's biggest event in Star Trek fandom: Creation Entertainment's now-perennial party, the aptly named "Official Star Trek Las Vegas Convention"!

Giving Creation's own annual "Grand Slam" in Pasadena a run for its money, the Vegas con commences this Friday, August 1, and runs through Sunday with a jam-packed schedule.  Boasting an enormous slate of celebrity guests, the "Official Star Trek Las Vegas Convention" is already a virtual sellout. In fact, the highest-level weekend pass — the "Gold" package — has been sold out for a while.  But there are some tickets left!

Taking place at the home of "Star Trek: The Experience," the Las Vegas Hilton, this weekend's event currently has over 50 stars slated to appear, including the entire living principal cast of the Original Series; most of the cast of Star Trek: Voyager including Kate Mulgrew; a large crop from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: The Next Generation; and from Enterprise, Dominic Keating and John Billingsley (Anthony Montgomery and others will also be there signing autographs). Along with celebrity talks, signings and photo ops, there will be a plethora of other activities for conventioneers, such as a music video competition; an American Idol-style talent contest with a top prize worth $1000; evening shows and a charity breakfast with the stars.

Besides "The Experience," the Vegas Hilton also houses the Quark's Bar restaurant, and that's where many of the events will take place, including a Friday-night party and a Saturday "Happy Hour" that are both already sold out.  In the same location on Sunday there is a Klingon Feast providing a culinary experience complete with Skull Stew, Targ platters, and of course, Bloodwine.

Be sure to visit the Creation Entertainment Web site for the most up-to-date info.

If you have any doubts whatsoever about coming, remember the mantra:  What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.