STEAM enthusiasts are being treated to a rare spectacle this week as steam engines of all makes and models wind their way from Carrick to Sheffield.

About eight steam machines made the journey in preparation for this weekend’s Steamfest.

Steamfest volunteer Judy MacKenzie said the parade caused particular excitement in Deloraine yesterday as people lined the streets to snap photographs when the machines rolled through the town.

‘‘All the kids came out from the high school and there must be an aged-care facility nearby because even old people came out and sat outside to watch,’’ she said.

Mrs MacKenzie said the Steam Run was a special event in commemoration of 150 years of steam in the state.

The machines will make their way through Kimberley before stopping at Redwater Creek Railway at Sheffield this afternoon.

She said about 7000 people were expected to attend this weekend’s event thanks to increased interest.

The annual event is a celebration of all things steam and features extensive displays of vintage machinery, train rides, traction engines, steam rollers, farm tractors, tractor pulling competitions and demonstrations of practices from the steam era.

‘‘It’s not just a show for people but it’s showing people what you can actually do if you take care of things and restore things and also how our forebears used to live,’’ Mrs MacKenzie said.

The 21st annual Steamfest will be held at the Redwater Creek Railway from March 7 to 9.

The gates will open at 9.30am each day with the first train to run at 10am.

The event will finish at 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and 4pm Monday.

Entrepreneur Dick Smith will open Steamfest at 2pm on Saturday.