Geek Fest (noun):
Definition: Formally established in 1994, a Geek Fest is a gathering of old college friends, all of whom are obsessed with movies, television, comics, toys and science fiction.
History: Even though the first Geek Fest was held in 1994, it can trace its roots as far back as 1990, when Steve V. and Steve L. joined Carlos and Tony as members of the Television Crew at St. John’s University. Whippersnappers Brian and Rob arrived on the scene later, thus firmly establishing the “Core 6” of Geeks who would eventually attend Fests at each other’s homes.
During their years at St. John’s, the Core 6 often found themselves engaged in unending conversation about their passions, which included (but were not limited to) movies, television, comics, toys, science fiction, music and yes, even sports.
The Geek dynamic was so intense that when as few as two Geeks were in a room together they found themselves uncontrollably sucked into the vortex of their nerdy passions. Like moths to a flame they had no choice but to talk Star Trek, Star Wars, Batman, B5 or whatever the Geek flavor of the month happened to be. So it only made sense they set aside a few days a year to gather together and completely “Geek Out.”
Steve V. established the Geek Fest in August of 1994 and at that first Fest certain traditions were established. First and foremost, this was a guy-only event, designed for us to get all the Geekness out of our systems so we wouldn’t do as much “geeking” at larger gatherings. We haven’t been so successful in that regard! In fact, one could say that mini-Geek Fests happen all the time in the context of larger gatherings!
A Geek Fest often includes screenings of non-traditional fare that suits our varied and wide-ranging tastes, including films, rare television programming and selected short subjects. Heart attack-inducing snacks are also a Geek Fest staple. Mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, pigs in a blanket and Steve’s Mom’s legendary “cheesy poofs” are consumed with reckless abandon.
The Geeks are all grown up now (sort of) and with busy lives that include wives (yes people actually married us!), children, fast-paced careers, and Carlos moving to Florida, it is physically impossible get everyone together in one room.
Enter “Geekfest Rants”, the brainchild of Carlos, this idea brings the Geek Fest conversations into the digital realm. With all the technological advances of the 21st century, geeks can geek out in the virtual world whenever we like, sharing our thoughts, observations, arguments and yes, even our rants, with all of you! And that’s just what we intend to do! Enjoy the ride!
