Events

 

Mabel 50s and 60s Day
Held in August

Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days

The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, a two day festival held the weekend following Labor Day in September, draws thousands of people to Mabel every year.  It originated in Hesper, Iowa, four miles south of Mabel where interest in the old steam-powered threshing and wood-sawing machines had been developing around several old-timers who kept machines, tinkering with them and building some.  In 1959 interest and the crowds who attended the affair grew beyond the ability of the town of Hesper to handle it.  Mabel was looking for a theme for a Fall Festival and welcomed the opportunity to combine their efforts with Hesper.

The steam engines are still the center of attention with exhibitors and enthusiasts coming from many states.  In addition to the demonstrations by the big steam engines, the festival features two big parades, a carnival, craft show, an Antique Show sponsored by the Mabel-Canton Senior Class , Quilt Show and Vintage Quilt display, Little Miss Mabel Pageant, presentation of the Queen Candidates and coronation of the Steam Engine Days Queen, and a tractor/truck pull, just to name a few.

Visit the Steam Engine Days Website

 

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