Historic Steam and Iron Draw Crowds to 64th Annual Steam-O-Rama Near Halltown

HALLTOWN, Mo. — Plumes of smoke and the rumble of antique iron filled the Ozarks air over the weekend as the 64th Annual Steam-O-Rama wrapped up its four-day run just off Interstate 44.

Presented jointly by the Ozarks Steam Engine Association and the Southwest Missouri Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association (EDGE&TA Branch 16), the annual gathering brought crowds of collectors, history buffs, and families out to the Whinrey Homestead Showgrounds near Halltown.

This year’s showcase carried national significance, serving as host for the J.I. Case Heritage Foundation Expo. Front and center was a rare regional appearance of the Case 150-horsepower Road Locomotive recreation—recognized as the largest operating steam traction engine in the world.

Beyond the massive steam engines, the event featured hands-on agricultural and industrial history in action. Visitors took in live demonstrations of antique sawmilling, steam-powered threshing, rock crushing, and stationary gas engines, including the association’s iconic Cooper-Bessemer engine.

The weekend also included daily tractor pulls, an extensive swap meet and flea market, and live bluegrass performances headlined by local favorites Lindley Creek.

The event, which was originally founded in Republic before establishing its permanent home grounds in Lawrence County, continues to serve as one of the region’s premier living-history showcases for early American industry and farming.