The Austin steam engine that greets travelers along Highway 1 has already undergone quite a makeover in recent years. After a four-year revitalization project brought new landscaping, fresh upgrades, and a one-of-a-kind interactive lighting system, the landmark is now ready for the next step: a proper name. For more than three decades, the Case 75-horsepower steam engine has been affectionately referred to as “the tractor on a stick” or “the flying steamer.” While those nicknames have stuck, the Austin & District Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to help select an official title. “We thought we should have an official name for it,” says Arlene Jarema, a member of the chamber’s Marketing and PR Committee. “We put the idea out on Facebook, and last time I checked, we had about three dozen different ideas.” The call for submissions remains open until September 30 on the chamber's Facebook page. Residents can share their suggestions in the comments or send them privately via message. The Chamber will review the entries at its next meeting in early October, with the possibility of narrowing down a shortlist for public vote. The steam engine holds deeper roots than just being a roadside attraction. Once owned by a Manitoba farmer credited with helping to develop Selkirk wheat, the tractor is tied to a piece of the province’s agricultural history. That farmer was later inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, a fact Jarema says makes the naming process even more meaningful. “We’d love something that kind of highlights the history in the name as well,” she adds. The project also ties in with the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to breathe new life into the community. The lighting system, installed earlier this year, features 259 individually controlled LED bulbs that can be customized to mark holidays, school events, and even local milestones. Over the summer, colours shifted for Canada Day, high school graduation, and the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s signature events. “As far as we know, it’s the only interactive light roadside attraction in Manitoba, so that’s another reason why we should have a name for it. Once it's named, maybe we’ll have a grand opening.” The Chamber hopes the naming contest will spark both creativity and pride, turning a well-known landmark into a community-branded symbol that connects history, heritage, and a bright future. “Get your ideas in, and feel free to tweak an idea that's already on the list. We're excited to find the perfect name to fit this piece of Austin history." Whether the chosen name reflects Austin’s agricultural roots or its newly lit-up future, the hope is that it will shine as brightly as the steam engine itself. Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com. PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.