'CHiPs' star Wilcox reflects on stardom ahead of Megafest.

• Author: Semon, Craig S.
• Position: Living

Byline: Craig S. Semon

New England Super Megafest

Featuring Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada ("CHiPs''), Sylvester McCoy ("Doctor Who,'' "The Hobbit''), Jonathan Frakes ("Star Trek: The Next Generation''), Chris Sarandon ("The Princess Bride,'' "The Nightmare Before Christmas''), Ken Page ("The Nightmare Before Christmas''), Josh McDermitt ("The Walking Dead''), William Kircher ("The Hobbit''), wrestlers Chris Jericho, Bret Hart and Rowdy Roddy Piper, Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show''), Katherine Helmond ("Who's the Boss,'' "Soap''), Ilan Mitchell-Smith ("Weird Science''), Helen Slater ("Supergirl''), Rae Dawn Chong ("Quest for Fire,'' "Commando''), plus many others.

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlboro.

How much: $49 for adult three-day pass, $28 for adult single-day pass; $20 for child (ages six through 12) three-day pass, $12 for child single-day pass (Friday and Sunday) and $6 (Sunday). For information and appearances schedule, go to www.newenglandsupermegafest.com

Playing California Highway Patrolmen on the popular TV series "CHiPs,'' Larry Wilcox (as Officer Jonathan "Jon'' Baker) and Erik Estrada (as Officer Francis "Frank'' Llewellyn "Ponch'' Poncherello) did wonders for NBC's ratings, police recruitment numbers, Kawasaki motorcycle sales and the popularity of polyester uniforms.

Often mistaken for real CHiPs officers during the show's six-year run, Wilcox and Estrada are going to make a rare appearance together this weekend at the New England Super Megafest at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlboro.

During a recent phone interview from his San Fernando Valley ranch, Wilcox reflected on the impact "CHiPs'' had on his life and pondered the series' popularity, longevity and success that even continues in reruns today.

"First and foremost, "CHiPs'' was a show about two phallic symbols, the motorcycles. So, as a result, motorcycles have a raw, sexy appeal to everyone,'' Wilcox said. "And, last, but not least, the real star of the show was the chemistry between Jon and Ponch. I think that Jon and Ponch's chemistry added longevity to a show that may not have lasted otherwise.''

Wilcox said the chemistry between him and Estrada was natural and not forced.

When he signed on to "CHiPs,'' Wilcox said he had no idea of the pop cultural phenomenon he was getting himself into. In fact, he...