Pageant of Steam facts for kids
Pageant of Steam is a fun annual event that celebrates old machines powered by steam! It's like a big fair held every year near Canandaigua, New York, in a town called Hopewell. This special fair started way back in 1960. The New York Steam Engine Association hosts it, bringing history to life for everyone to enjoy.
What is the Pageant of Steam?
The Pageant of Steam is a fantastic place to see amazing old machines. It's held every August, usually starting on a Wednesday and lasting until Saturday. You can find it on Gehan Road, which is between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse.
What Can You See There?
The main stars of the show are the powerful steam engines. These are huge machines that run on steam, just like old trains or factory equipment. Besides these giants, you can also watch an exciting antique tractor pull. This is where old tractors try to pull heavy weights, showing off their strength. There's also a very big flea market where you can find all sorts of interesting items.
Many people visit the Pageant of Steam, especially on Friday and Saturday. This is because another big event, Empire Farm Days, used to happen nearby earlier in the week. Some vendors and visitors would come to the Pageant of Steam after attending Empire Farm Days. Since 2023, Empire Farm Days has been held a week before the Steam Pageant.
Where Did It Start?
For its first few years, the Pageant of Steam moved around to different locations. It wasn't until 1971 that the New York Steam Engine Association bought a permanent home for the event. They purchased 28 acres of land on Gehan Road. This spot is about 3 miles east of the city of Canandaigua. Before finding its current home, the fair was even held at places like the old site of Roseland Waterpark on Canandaigua Lake.
