Smokey Bear dropped by the Grand Marais Public Library on Tuesday, July 15 to share some stories and lessons about “good fires” and “bad fires,” and of course, to celebrate his 70th birthday with a scrumptious cake and some new-found friends. The ursine celebrity is seen here enjoying the presentation with a group of fascinated children.
Smokey Bear’s 70th birthday is coming up soon. The famous bear is making the rounds to celebrate with community members. Smokey stopped by the Grand Marais Library on Tuesday, July 15 for story time. Kids of all ages at the library enjoyed visiting with Smokey and enjoyed some birthday cake.
Another birthday party will be held on the official Smokey Bear birthday August 9 at the Gunflint District Ranger Station from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Smokey the Bear was conceived in 1944. The idea of fire prevention started way back in the ‘20s and spread after Japanese submarines were spotted on the West Coast in 1941. There was fear that a torpedo could detonate along the West Coast and theoretically cause serious fires in forestlands.
On August 9, 1944 fire prevention programs began searching for an animal to be used as a symbol. The release of the Disney animated film Bambi had made the public aware of fire hazards, and for awhile Bambi was a popular nomination, but due to copyright problems with Disney Productions, it was finally decided to use a bear, and the rest is history.
Smokey became so popular that he even has his own private zip code. If anyone is interested it’s 20052.
Stop by the Gunflint Ranger Station on August 9 to wish Smokey well!
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