“Fire safety is important every year, and this year provides an extra-special opportunity to share out essential fire safety messages. We hope that you can participate in one of these interpretive and informational fire safety activities.”
America’s favorite fire safety spokes-bear – Smokey Bear – is turning 80 on August 9, 2024. Where can you go to wish Smokey Bear a happy 80th birthday? There have already been several celebrations this year, and more are planned! Here are six more opportunities to be part of this milestone year and learn about fire safety.
“With our partners, we are laser-focused on providing accessible options for people to interact with Smokey Bear,” said Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Public Services Staff Officer Kaleigh Maze. “We sincerely appreciate the dedication of the teams that are planning and facilitating community events. Fire safety is important every year, and this year provides an extra-special opportunity to share out essential fire safety messages. We hope that you can participate in one of these interpretive and informational fire safety activities.”
Saturday, July 27
602 E. Kent St. Wausau, WI 54403
Join Smokey Bear in experiencing the cultural traditions of the Hmong community. Test your fire safety knowledge in the quiz game. Presented by the Hmong American Center and the Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitor Bureau, the festival features dancing and singing competitions; sports tournaments, food, crafts and merchandise vendors; and more. USDA Forest Service participation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 27
519 East Sheridan St., Eagle River, WI 54521
Celebrate the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and forestry with Smokey Bear during Forest Fest at the Trees for Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Learn about the heritage and legacy of Wisconsin’s timber industry; as well as modern-day techniques and equipment through demonstrations, exhibits and hands-on activities. Programs that focus on sustainable management of our natural resources include wood harvesting, wood products, wilderness, wildlife, water quality, and recreation. Forest Fest also features logging equipment demonstrations, exhibits, horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s activities, chainsaw carving, paper making, logging history, food and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, August 5 and Friday, August 9
640 S 84th St., West Allis, WI 53214
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday at the Wisconsin State Fair. Smokey Bear will be making periodic visits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those two days of the fair to accept birthday wishes, pose for photos and hand out birthday gifts to children. Smokey Bear will be in the Exploratory Park, located next to the Expo Center on the fairgrounds.
Saturday, August 10
David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
29270 County Hwy. G, Ashland, WI 54806
Visit Smokey Bear at the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Washurn office will provide information and fire engine tours. There will be fire safety and Smokey Bear quiz game, raffle, and other family activities. Friends of The Center Alliance Limited will provide free birthday cake while it lasts. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 10
1800 Forest Exploration Drive, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Discover the true story of Smokey Bear along the “StoryWalk!” Learn about fire safety and earn gifts from Smokey Bear through a variety of activities along an accessible trail.
Saturday September 7, 2024
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
625 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401
Visit with Smokey Bear and view portraits of Smokey Bear by US Forest Service artist Rudolph Andreas (“Rudy”) Wendelin in the UWSP Center for Civic Engagement. The portraits will be on loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Library in Washington DC. Conservation and forestry films will be screened in the auditorium. Rest your feet in the air-conditioned space during Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend. Shuttle service is provided to and from the Festival of Arts downtown to Art in The Park near UWSP. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
