The public is invited to attend Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday party at O’Bannon Woods State Park this Saturday, August 10. Activities take place at Hickory Hollow Interpretive Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Celebrate with Smokey as you hear his story, sing his song, and have some birthday cake with party favors. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Smokey Bear as he makes an appearance at his party and bring your camera for a picture. A day of fun will include activities on how to build a campfire and campfire safety, free raffle of Smokey Bear items, and signing a birthday card for Smokey Bear. Learn about prescribed fires and how to use a fire extinguisher. Be sure and check out the Smokey Bear items on display inside the nature center.
The U.S. Forest Service will be in attendance to help kids learn basic compass skills as they complete activities to become a Junior Forest Ranger. Palmyra Volunteer Fire Department and Leavenworth Volunteer Fire Department will have their different fire trucks and equipment here and will answer questions as you learn about fire safety from the firefighters. Also, the Harrison Crawford State Forest will have their Wildland Firefighter present. Learn about wildland firefighting as you check out the special gear needed for this type of firefighting.
For those wanting to start the party early, join in at 9:30 a.m. and go on a short nature hike to learn all about the black bear.
The event is free after paying the regular park gate entrance fee of $7 per in-state vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle.
O’Bannon Woods State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2976.htm) is at 7234 Old Forest Road SW, Corydon, 47112.
