Celebrating Smokey Bear's
50th Birthday
by Laura J. Bedford
Smokey Bear is greeted by a group of children
celebrating his 50th birthday during Kids Funfest
'94 in Springfield.
Adorned in birthday hats, the children waited impatiently
for the guest of honor. Two large birthday cakes were displayed on a table, surrounded by presents.
Suddenly the doors flew open, and the children burst into song. Happy birthday
to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Smokey.
Happy birthday to you. In walked the famous forest ranger,
who was smothered in hugs and kisses by his adoring fans.
This was no ordinary party. This was Smokey Bear's 50th
birthday! And instead of receiving presents, Smokey distributed educational kits to the more
than 250 children who attended the party in his honor during Kids Funfest '94, held
this April in Springfield.
Though Smokey may turn 50 this year, he has not slowed
down a bit. In fact, Smokey is now slimmer, speaks multiple
languages, and is spreading his message globally about the
dangers of forest fires to new audiences, sometimes even in rap.
According to James Lyons, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Natural Resources and
the Environment, the Smokey campaign has been one of the longest running and most successful public relations
campaigns in the country. A 1988 market survey by the National Ad Council reported that 95 percent of
adults and 77 percent of children ages five to 13 recognized Smokey's message, "Only YOU can prevent
forest fires."
Exemplifying the new lifestyle of seniors in America, today's Smokey is healthier and more active
than in the past. Often sporting sunglasses, Smokey can be seen at local recreational events, schools,
festivals and Special Olympics. He plans to appear at the World
Cup Soccer Championship finals in Los Angeles later this summer. He will also take part
in Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair on August 20th in Springfield.
In celebration of this golden anniversary, a special Smokey
Bear exhibit is traveling to major American cities, opening in
Chicago October 24 through January 4. The exhibit features a
history of the Smokey campaign; interactive displays illustrating how trees grow and the
role of forests in the ecosystem; and footage from California's recent fires, explaining the science of
good fires and bad fires, as well as nature's fire cycle.
So, happy birthday, Smokey Bear. We hope your message
of fire prevention and fire-safe behavior continues to touch future generations for years to come.
Laura Bedford is the Director of Communications for the
Illinois Association of Park Districts. *
36 • Illinois Parks & Recreation * May/June 1994
