STAR TREK CONVENTION OPENS AT HOLIDAY INN

Mark Lenard, who played Sarek of Vulcan in the Star Trek series, and Robin Curtis, who portrayed Lt. Saavik in Star Trek III and IV (the movies), will make appearances Saturday and Sunday at CONtinuum '93.

Both will speak and sign autographs.

Also appearing will be science fiction writer M.S. Murdock, author of "Web of the Romulans," "Vendetta," "Dynteryx," "Prime Squared" and several Buck Rogers novels.

Keith Birdsong, a Trek artist, and Fan Guest of Honor Jean Kluge also will be special guests at the convention.

The Star Trek convention opens today at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.

The dealers room opens at 2 p.m. today, and the convention will run from 4-11 p.m. The dealers room will contain books, comic books, artwork, gaming supplies, posters, T-shirts and other science fiction collectibles. There also will be video rooms, gaming, a costume contest, make-up and costuming seminars, art panels, an art show and auction, and a dance.

The hours on Saturday are 8 a.m.-midnight. Saturday's schedule includes a charity auction for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and a costume ball.

Sunday's hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

CONtinuum '93 is sponsored by KBSI-TV, and the U.S.S. Sally Ride (Cape Girardeau) and U.S.S. Constellation II (Paducah) chapters of Starfleet, the international Star Trek fan club.

The cost for the full weekend is $40 for adults (ages 13 and over). Single-day admission is $25 for Saturday and $20 for Sunday. Children ages 6-12 will be admitted for half price when accompanied by a paying adult. Children under 6 will be admitted free.