Blow out the candles because Smokey Bear is turning 79years-old! Join the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department in celebrating our favorite wildfire prevention bear at Sequoyah State Park on Saturday, August 12 for Smokey’s Birthday Blowout.
“Smokey Bear is a national icon that has been educating kids about wildfire prevention for almost eight decades,” OTRD Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt said. “It’s only right that we celebrate Smokey’s 79th birthday in style. We encourage everyone to come out to Sequoyah for a family friendly party honoring America’s favorite bear!”
This birthday celebration will include nature center activities, games with prizes, crafts, guided hikes, food trucks, face painting and more. This event is perfect for nature lovers and families alike.Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and conclude around noon. And what would a Smokey Bear celebration be without fire safety training and education?
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been the familiar face of wildfire prevention tactics. The United States Forest Service used Smokey Bear as the image and message of wildfire prevention through their “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” campaign. In recent years, these measures have become increasingly important as wildfires are on the rise. Recent Canadian wildfires have engulfed large swaths of the US with hazardous and life-threatening smoke. But nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans and preventable. Smokey Bear continues to inform the public of the safety risks, such as the burning of wildlife and ecosystems, as well as air pollution and smoke.