By: Kenneth McDade
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Pelahatchie Library buzzed with excitement as children and adults gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of a beloved national icon—Smokey Bear. This special program not only honored Smokey’s legacy but also served as an educational event, teaching attendees about fire safety and the history of this enduring mascot.
The celebration began with the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Smokey Bear, whose presence, , brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The attendees then delved into the fascinating origin story of Smokey Bear. The story, which was read from a book, recounted how Smokey became the symbol of wildfire prevention in the United States.
Smokey Bear’s journey began during World War II. In 1944, the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council decided to create a character that would educate the public about the dangers of forest fires. Inspired by the tragic loss of wildlife and forest land due to fires, Smokey Bear was born. The first Smokey Bear poster featured the bear pouring a bucket of water on a campfire, with the slogan, “Smokey says – Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires.”
The event also featured an educational session on different types of fires, distinguishing between beneficial and harmful fires. Attendees learned that while some fires, such as controlled burns, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, others can be devastating and need to be prevented. A particularly intriguing topic was the concept of “fighting fire with fire,” where controlled fires or the strategic use of flammable materials like gasoline are employed to create firebreaks, stopping wildfires from spreading when water isn’t accessible.
A highlight of the day was the demonstration of the gear worn by firefighters. The children were fascinated by the heavy suits, helmets, and tools used by these brave individuals to combat wildfires. The firefighters explained how each piece of gear is designed to protect them from the intense heat and flames, ensuring they can carry out their dangerous work as safely as possible.
To wrap up the celebration, each attendee received a goodie bag filled with Smokey Bear-themed items, fire safety brochures, and small treats. These mementos served as a reminder of the important lessons learned and the fun had during the event.
The 80th birthday celebration of Smokey Bear at the Pelahatchie Library was not just a tribute to an iconic figure but also a valuable opportunity to educate the community about fire safety. As the attendees left with smiles and goodie bags in hand, they carried with them a renewed sense of responsibility to help prevent wildfires and protect our precious forests.
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