Western Steam Fiends Assn., Inc.

05/21/2026

Here is the our class photo for our 2026 Steam School at Powerland Heritage Park.

Jack Salter, Katie Salter, Ada Mattison, Leo Brousseau, Bill Devereaux, Thomas Blaine, Carston Becker, Jasper Huff, Warner Huff, Jodi Cremere, Butch Albrecht, Paul Consani, Joe Baker, Tyler Stirling, David Boyce

Thanks to Paul Consani for getting this photo together!

05/15/2026

Come on out and see us tomorrow at the 6th STEAM'd Up for Kids at Powerland Heritage Park!

STEAM'd Up for Kids FAQ
Saturday, May 16 | Powerland Heritage Park, Brooks OR

How much does it cost?
Kids 12 and under are FREE. Adults and teens 13+ are $10. Parking is free.

What time does it run?
Gates open at 9am and close at 4pm.

Where is it?
3995 Brooklake Rd NE, Brooks, OR 97303. Just off I-5 north of Salem (Exit 263).

How long should we plan to stay?
With 62 acres and 14 museums, you can easily fill the entire day from 9am to 4pm. Most families stay for several hours at a minimum.

Is there food available on site?
Yes! Nine vendors on site including: Rachel's Lemonade, Lonchera La Rosa, Corn Dog Convoy, Legacy Coffee, Sweetly Cakepop'd, Wave Burgers, Shortcake Lady, Make Your Own Ice Cream, and the Country Store.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes! Picnic space is available on the grounds.

Are trolley rides included?
Trolley rides are available for a small add-on fee (pay at the trolley station): Adults $7, Seniors/Military $5, Youth $3, Family $20. Kids 2 and under ride free. All rides are unlimited for that fee. This year, the trolley will be the Sydney Breezer Tram (from Sydney, Australia), built in 1912!

What about the Willow Creek Railroad rides?
Miniature train rides are included (donations appreciated) and run all day, weather permitting. During periods of rain, rides will pause and resume once the rain stops.

What can my kids actually do?
Operate real mini excavators. Ride the barrel train. Build things at the Build-It Workshop. Race Lego cars. Make rope. Make ice cream. Ride a miniature train. Watch a working blacksmith. Explore 14 museums on 62 acres. And more.

Is there an ATM on site?
Yes! There are ATMs available on the grounds.

What is the Bumblebee car?
This year, there is an enhanced replica of the Bumblebee Camaro from the Transformers movies on display at the Brooks Historical Society building. Great photo opportunity!

Are dogs allowed?
Pets are family! Socially behaved dogs on a fixed leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome. Please ensure you clean up after your pets.

Can I donate to the museums?
Yes, and it is greatly appreciated! All 14 museums at Powerland Heritage Park are independent nonprofits. They do not receive a portion of the event admission fee, which is used to cover event costs. If you find a museum you love, donations are always welcome, though never required.

Is this rain or shine?
Yes, rain or shine!

Where do I get tickets?
Online or at the gate on the day of the event.
👉 antiquepowerland.com/events/steamd-up-for-kids

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📷 Photo Notice: By entering Powerland Heritage Park, you acknowledge that you may be photographed or recorded. Images and video may be used for social media, website postings, promotions, or advertising. The official photographer will be in a green vest with the words "Event Photographer" on it.

05/13/2026

Here's a couple photos from our first weekend of Steam School at Powerland Heritage Park! If you are attending Steamed Up For Kids this coming Saturday, please wander out back by the Caterpillar Museum and say hello!

(Photos by David Boyce)

05/08/2026

Staged and ready for this year’s Steam School at Powerland Heritage Park

05/01/2026

Wood Cutting:

This first wood cutting opportunity will be this Saturday, May 2nd. We plan on starting around 3 pm after the Steam School instructors meeting. If you want to show up earlier that would be fine, there are a bunch of rounds near the log deck that need to be moved and split so the log deck can be tidied up.

The wood cutting for the following dates will start at 8:00 am. These will be all day events with lunch provided. We have received a bunch of new totes that will need to have the bladders removed and an opening cut into one side that can be worked on while other people are cutting and splitting wood.

May 30, 2026

June 13, 2026

July 18, 2026

Send a message to learn more

04/03/2026

Thanks to all who came out for our spring potluck! And thank you to the Caterpillar Museum for hosting!

03/12/2026

Did you know you can pay your Steam Fiends dues online?

Take a look: https://western-steam-fiends-association-inc.square.site/

Thanks Katie!

Also, we look forward to seeing all of you at our season kickoff potluck, let us know if you are planning on coming!

03/06/2026

Season kickoff potluck, please let us know if you would like to come join us!

02/09/2026

Kraig A. Kircher Obituary
Kraig Alan Kircher of Dallas, OR, was born on July 21, 1970, in Portland Oregon and died in Salem Oregon on January 26, 2026. He was 55 years old.

Kraig was one of the last three babies born at the original St. Vincent hospital in northwest Portland. He graduated high school in Tigard and attended Portland Community College earning his Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics in 1990. Kraig soon realized after college that his passion for automotive was for a hobby but not as a career. After applying his mechanical aptitude to a variety of different jobs, he took a position with Hampton Lumber at their Willamina Oregon mill eventually becoming their primary machine operator. He had worked for Willamina Lumber for 29 years at the time of his death.

His love of old cars soon turned to the old Model A that he inherited from his grandfather. This became a lifetime project as he would spend hours sanding and polishing all the different parts. He had a love for steam engines of all types, especially railroad and farming engines, and he became a member of the Steam Fiends Association at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks Oregon. Kraig loved kids and when visiting family or friends could soon be found playing on the floor with them or teaching them about engines, etc.

Kraig is survived by his father Robert Bruce Kircher and preceded in death by his mother Phyllis Faye (Vollman) Kircher, and sister Kye Lynn Kircher. Kraig will be dearly missed by many family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to WSFA Western Steam Fiends Association, 3995 Brooklake Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303, or to ORHF Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, PO Box 42443, Portland, OR 97242

View Kraig A. Kircher's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

We are sad to share the news of the passing of one of our members, Kraig Kircher. Kraig first did steam school and started coming out to the tulip fields about 2014. With his schedule working nights he often wasn't around for many events, but you would usually see him stop by and visit. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, he will be missed.

His family asked us to share the following information:

09/10/2025

Here are a couple picture of a piece that used to be owned by one of our early members: