Arcadia in Baltimore County, Maryland became well known when it was chosen as the model for the fictional hometown, also called Arcadia, on the 2003 - 2005 CBS television series Joan of Arcadia.
This small rural idyllic town (the post office is in fact labeled not Arcadia, but Upperco) is today equally celebrated for the Maryland Steam Historical Society’s annual Steam Show – this year its 55th annual show is from September 16 to 19.
The show draws huge crowds from across the country – people who are interested in steam traction engines, other steam-operated equipment, gas and diesel tractors and engines, antique farm equipment of all kinds, horse-operated equipment, and displays of all of these. There are threshing, sawmill, and shingle sawing demonstrations on all four days.
Activities include a consignment sale at 2pm on the Thursday of the Show; an antique tractor pull at 6pm Friday; and a pedal tractor pull for kids at noon, and an antique car display, all on Saturday.
It also features a huge flea market and crafts display. Food is available all day long, beginning with breakfast.
The Steam Show is at the Arcadia Fire Company grounds, located 3 miles south of Hampstead and 5 miles north of Reisterstown. Members can be reached at the fairgrounds (410-374-1332) about one month before the start of the show until it closes.
For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland.
For more information on the Steam Show visit the Maryland Steam Historical Society at www.marylandsteam.org