Join Smokey and his friends for a birthday celebration!

Saturday, August 9, 2014
11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bashas in Eagar, Arizona

Most of us are thinking about retirement at 70, if we haven’t already retired, but Smokey Bear is still going strong!

Smokey first appeared as the mascot of the U.S. Forest Service on Aug. 9, 1944, and will celebrate his 70th birthday locally this Saturday at the Eagar Gazebo next to Bashas at 150 N Main, Eagar, AZ.

“Only you can prevent forest fires!” was Smokey’s slogan for more than 50 years, until “forest fires” was changed to “wildfires” in 2001 to recognize that many resources are damaged by fire every year. The campaign remains one of the most widely recognized in the United States.

Smokey and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor’s Office and Springerville Ranger District employees will be on hand for photos and handing out Smokey memorabilia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

To take the Smokey Bear pledge and join in the campaign, go to http://www.smokeybear.com/ for more information.