That’s right folks, we’re launching Wilhelmina, our 40′ stern-wheel paddleboat in the calm seas of the northwest lot at the Maker Faire on May 19 – 20 so be sure to climb aboard and get up close to all the steamy action.  We’ve been working hard on the restoration efforts and promise she’ll be ship shape for the weekend.  This boat was originally built by Robert P. Scripps of The Scripps Foundry & Machine in Fredericksburg, TX. According to John Woodson, a Stanley Steamer aficionado, it is believed to be the first of two built. He made the patterns for the engines, which were cast in San Antonio, and his shop fabricated the hull, wheel, rudders, and more. On July 29, 2008 she was named the Wilhelmina in honor of Dick Vennerbeck’s Great Grandmother, Wilhelmina Bernadina Nystrom Fhalquist.

Kinetic Steam Works’ annual Roll Out event is coming up! Saturday, November 12th, from Noon to 10PM, come celebrate this autumnal steamy spectacular with us. There will be plenty of cottony cloud soft steam, food, beer/wine, a silent auction, mechanical entertainments mammoth and bijou, craft vendors, and a magnificent musical lineup including Lord Loves A Working Man, Beso Negro, Sour Mash Hug Band, Shovelman, and others. Kinetic art and attractions include several wood fired steam engines including all 9-tons of “Hortense,” KSW’s lovingly restored 1923 traction engine, the Pumpkin Guillotine returns, steam powered abominable snow cones, Jon Sarriugarte & Kyrsten Mate’s “Serpent Twins,” Justin Gray’s jet-turbine powered “Robot Charlie,” Ben Cowden’s “Gathering” and “A Gentle Tugand,” and much more. We invite you to come on down and celebrate, you’ll be supporting Kinetic Steam Works, a unique nonprofit organization. $10 to $100 sliding scale. Kids under 12 get in free (they must be accompanied by an adult), the family rate is $20. Location Info: 2525 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA, 94607.