Smokey on an airplane cowling 1950 (USDA Forest Service image)
Eighty years is a tremendous milestone for anyone. To make it to 80 means you have overcome life’s greatest challenges and you truly become the elder, the sage, the one who knows a thing or two and should be listened to. Being the spokes-bear, if you will, of the longest running and most successful advertising campaign in American history, at 80 years old, I think Smokey Bear would agree. Source: Timberbiz
And so does the USDA Forest Service.
Smokey’s actual birthday is 9 August. However, starting in January, the Forest Service in the US which has, in cooperation with the Ad Council and the National Association of State Foresters, managed the image of Smokey Bear since the 1940s will launch a year long celebration.
The kick-off will start with Smokey sharing his iconic phrase of Only You Can Prevent Wildfires in the Tournament of Roses Parade on 1 January 2024.
In fact, across the country all sorts of activities are being planned from guest appearances at local events, a Facebook live stream from the California State Fair in July with Darley Newman, host of the PBS show Travels with Darley, and a social media campaign where the Forest Service is asking folks to sing Happy Birthday to Smokey with the hashtag #SingForSmokey.
The fun continues through the year with the Smokey Bear balloon appearing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the lighting of the US Capital Christmas Tree!
Despite the success of Smokey Bear’s campaign over the years, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our country’s forests and grasslands. With more than 80% of wildfires being started accidentally or by careless or bad behaviour, Smokey’s message is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.
