Press release from National Forests in North Carolina:
The Cradle of Forestry invites kids of all ages to Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party on Saturday, August 6, from 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Smokey Bear turns 72 years old this year. Bi-Lo grocery of Pisgah Forest is the event sponsor.
The fire prevention bear will help cut his birthday cake and meet and greet his friends during the celebration. Admission fee is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for youth ages 4-15 and America the Beautiful and Golden Age pass holders. Admission is free for children under four years old.
Activities during Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party are held in front of the Forest Discovery Center, indoors if it is raining. The fun includes music, making birthday cards, Smokey Bingo, Pin-the-Pail on the Campfire, prize drawings, birthday cake and of course, Smokey Bear. Party favor bags for children include a little book “The True Story of Smokey Bear,” the Smokey Bear song and Smokey memorabilia. Families are welcome to pack a picnic.
At 1:30 p.m., the party continues with a live animal program by Carolina Naturalists. Meet native wildlife and learn about their lives in Smokey’s woods.
Throughout the day, guests are invited to enjoy all the Cradle of Forestry has to offer. Visitors can explore the 15 hands-on exhibits in the Forest Discovery Center, including the firefighting helicopter simulator and the scavenger hunt. A collection of Smokey artwork by Rudy Wendelin, famed Smokey Bear illustrator who created Smokey’s image as we know him today, is on display. The Adventure Zone offers exploration and play designed for children along the autism spectrum, but enjoyed by everyone. Smokey’s party, the Forest Discovery Center, and the Cradle’s two interpretive trails are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Smokey Bear has been a symbol of fire safety and fire prevention since 1944. The purpose of the Smokey program is to create and maintain public awareness about the need to prevent unplanned, human-caused wildland fires. Smokey Bear uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to further the reach of his messages:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smokeybear
Twitter: www.twitter.com/smokey_bear
YouTube: www.youtube.com/smokeybear
Instagram: www.instagram.com/smokeybear
The Cradle of Forestry is located on U.S. Highway 276 in the Pisgah National Forest along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 412. For more information, call the Cradle of Forestry at 828-877-3130 or online at www.cradleofforestry.com.
Party Schedule:
11:00 – Welcome, children’s music, Smokey Bear Song
11:00-12:30 – Smokey Bear games and crafts
11:15 – Smokey arrives to greet his friends
11:30 – Songs about Smokey’s forests and animal friends; prize drawings
12:25 – Smokey returns after visiting his forest
2:30 – Happy Birthday Song and cake serving begins
12:35 – More prizes called and grand prize (Smokey doll)
1:00 – Games and crafts end; party-goers are invited to explore the Forest Discovery Center
1:30- 2:30 – Live animal program
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