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Celebrate Smokey's Birthday August 15 At Thornton Park

Last updated on Tuesday, August 5, 2014

(BEDFORD) - The Hoosier National Forest and Bedford Park Department are holding a 70th birthday party for Smokey Bear at Thornton Park on Friday, August 15.

The famous bear's birthday is on August 9th but Bedford will celebrate later with activities for children and cake. The party is from 6 - 8 pm and Smokey Bear will be at his party to see all the children who attend.

Children will have an opportunity to spray a fire hose, dress up as a fire fighter, and learn several fire prevention tips. Smokey may be 70, but he has no plans for retirement as his message "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires" is as relevant as ever. So he hopes local children will come out to learn more about preventing fires.

To help Smokey celebrate his birthday, the Hoosier National Forest is still looking for birthday cards for Smokey. Any child entering grades K-5 is invited to make Smokey Bear a birthday card.

Please drop off or mail your card to Hoosier National Forest, 811 Constitution Avenue, Bedford, Indiana, 47421. Cards are due by Friday, August 8, to be considered for judging and prizes will be awarded. Any child dropping off their card will receive a gift from Smokey. Rules for the card are:


  1. On an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper design your card using crayons, markers, watercolors, paints, etc. No computer generated images.

  2. Write your name, contact information and upcoming grade on the back corner of the card.

  3. Prizes will be given to first, second, and third place entrants in three divisions: grades K-1, grades 2-3, and grades 4-5.

  4. Cards will be judged on originality, design, artwork, and overall message.

  5. Awards will be presented at a Smokey Bear 70th Birthday Celebration on August 15 at Thornton Park in Bedford. Smokey Bear will be present at the award ceremony.



Remember, Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!

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