State park hosts Smokey Bear’s 73rd birthday party
Attendees of the 2016 birthday bash enjoyed learning the story of Smokey Bear and posing for pictures with him. (Photos by Randy Paske)
By Rachel Mergen
“I don’t know what it is about Smokey, but kids gravitate toward him,” Bruce Klang, president of the Friends of the Wyalusing State Park organization, exclaimed. On Saturday, Aug. 5, children and their families will be able to take part in Smokey Bear’s 73rd birthday bash at the state park.
Smokey’s birthday has been celebrated at the park every year since 2014. This year, there will be a parade starting at 6 p.m. led by the iconic bear, followed by a social that will include Smokey Bear stories, cake and small presents for the children. The annual celebration will be wonderful for the entire family, because even older generations are able to recognize the symbol from their own youth.
Each year on average, depending on the weather, the celebration draws in over 50 children and their families, ages ranging greatly.
“My favorite part is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they hear Smokey’s message,” Klang stated about the event. “We’ll continue [with the annual birthday bash] as long as people are enjoying it.”
The Smokey Bear image has a long history behind it. According to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, when World War II forced able-bodied men away from communities across the country, wildfires became more of a concern. Handling the fires was a matter of national importance, and posters began to be created that would help spread the message of prevention. These posters were defined by slogans like “Forest fires aid the enemy” and “Our carelessness, their secret weapon.”
The 1942 release of the Disney film Bambi also benefitted the cause. Disney allowed the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) program, which was organized by the National Forest Service, to use their characters in advertisements about wildfire prevention for one year after the film’s release. After the year, the CFFP knew they would have to create their own animal symbol. This need led to the design of Smokey Bear, an adorable bear that would help douse out campfires and educate children across the country.
The Forest Service authorized Smokey Bear on Aug. 9, 1944. Artist Albert Staehle delivered the first poster of the character on Oct. 10 of the same year.
The advertisements have been popular since the start, originally having the slogan, “Smokey says—Care will prevent nine out of ten forest fires.” The original catchphrase only lasted until 1947, and slowly took steps into becoming, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
The saving of a bear cub from a forest fire in 1950 added to the popularity of the prevention project. The cub was nicknamed Smokey and lived out the rest of its life in Washington.
Klang mentioned about the cartoon bear, “Smokey is an enduring symbol that crosses generations.” He noted that the park follows the lessons taught by Smokey by only allowing controlled fires to occur and teaching that fire is a tool that should be used correctly.
Klang, who has degrees in both wildlife management and biology, found himself as a ranger at Wyalusing State Park for 20 years before retiring and joining the Friends of Wyalusing. He said he enjoys, “not only the beauty of the [park], but it also feels like home.”
Wyalusing is home to over 20 miles of hiking trails and scenery that is “second to none in the area,” according to Klang, unique wildlife habitats.
The Friends of Wyalusing State Park organization, which puts on the Smokey birthday bash each year, is a non-profit charitable organization designed to enhance and support the experiences of those who visit the park, according to their website.
The park isn’t just celebrating Smokey’s birthday this year, it’s also celebrating its own centennial birthday. A party held in June focused on the park’s history, which is important not just to the local area, but also to the state.
“We often overlook what’s in our backyard,” Klang voiced as he declared his appreciation for the beautiful scenery in the area. He remembered meeting a child years ago who also felt awe toward the land. He quoted her saying, while she viewed the river from Point Lookout, “This must be what heaven looks like,” in which he had responded, “No, but it’s close.”
He looks forward to seeing visitors Aug. 5, enjoying Smokey’s birthday celebration and learning about the important message being taught by the symbolic bear.
For more information about Smokey Bear’s birthday bash and the Friends of the Wyalusing State Park organization, visit wyalusingfriends.org.
