If you find yourself around Portland or Salem, Ore., the last week in July or first weekend in August, plan a side trip to Antique Powerland in Brooks for the annual "Steam-Up."

Powerland is home to the Pacific Northwest Truck Museum, which currently houses some 50 vintage trucks. There are actually 14 different heritage restoration and preservation groups functioning on the 63-acre site, representing steam power, early gas engines, farm tractors, construction and logging equipment, and trucks. Two weekends a year, everyone gathers for the annual Steam-Up, featuring equipment demonstrations and displays.
This year they celebrate the new millennium with several special events. Saturday, July 29, is Caterpillar Day, commemorating the company’s 75th anniversary with a “Cat only” parade and equipment demonstrations. Sunday, July 30, will feature farming, logging and sawing, including a re-creation of life in the field during harvest.
Saturday, Aug. 5, will highlight transportation. Several parades will present the story of equipment innovation and development. Displays will include trucks, cars, trolleys, rail and other equipment. Sunday, Aug. 6, focuses on “great machines at work,” including steam, gas and diesel equipment.
Antique Powerland is located 1/4 mile west of Interstate 5 at exit 263 in Brooks. Steam-Up hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Truck parking is available. For more information call (503) 393-2424 or visit the web site at www.antiquepowerland.com.
The Pacific Northwest Truck Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April through September. More information can be found at www.teleport.com/907eflame/C/museum. The telephone number is (503) 678-5108.