The Hesper-Mabel Steam Calliope wagon was built by Harry Shell in 1953. For many years the Hesper-Mabel Calliope was based in Winona and known as the Winona Steam Calliope. The Steam Engine Days show dates back to 1953 where it began in nearby Hesper. Rachel Storlie plays the Hesper-Mabel Calliope during Nordic Fest, July 26, 2026, in Decorah, Iowa. Its next public appearances will be at the tractor parade from Hesper, Iowa to Mabel, Minnesota, on Sept. 10 during the Steam Engine Days Parade and in Mabel on both Sept. 12 and 13.