Come step back in time at the annual Oklahoma Steam Threshing & Gas Engine Show in Pawnee, and witness yesterday’s huge steam traction engine pound across the Prairie. For over 50 years this show has entertained with steam engines, a sawmill, gas engines, blacksmith shop, tractors and more.

Stop by and see the steam-powered sawmill convert trees into the lumber essential for building the new state. There will also be 15-20 steam traction engines (steam tractors) operating various era-correct machines. Another popular display is the steam-powered sawmill that operates almost nonstop during show hours. The newest display is a 1920s rock crusher that is powered by a large, gasoline-fueled stationary engine.

The Oklahoma Steam Threshing & Gas Engine Show also features an operating blacksmith shop and early twentieth-century machine shop, which are both driven by flat belts. There will be tons of gasoline-powered tractors from the very early 1900s through the mid-1960s, too. At this annual event, smell the sweet corn being ground into fresh corn mill by the antique mill, and savor a heaping barbecue sandwich, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Pawnee fire department burgers and food truck fare.

Explore the trading post and swap meet for anything from antique parts to household goods before visiting the 80 arts and crafts, vendor and toy booths. On Saturday, the kids can participate in pedal tractor pulls, and all ages can catch live music. Festivities also include daily parades, steam engine-powered wheat threshing, primitive domestic displays and a growing garden tractor collection.

The excitement doesn't stop at dusk at the Oklahoma Steam Threshing & Gas Engine Show. In the evening hours, the steam engines put on a spark show, blowing burning cinders 50 to 60 feet into the air. This event will be held rain or shine, as there are plenty of indoor exhibitors.