PISGAH FOREST, NC (July 18, 2018) — The Cradle of Forestry invites kids of all ages to Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party on Saturday, August 4, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Smokey Bear turns 74 this year.
The fire prevention bear will help cut his birthday cake and meet and greet his friends during the celebration. Regular admission fee is $6.00 and $3.00 for youth ages 4-12, America the Beautiful and Golden Age pass holders. Admission is free for children under 4 and Friends of the Cradle Annual Pass holders. This event is sponsored by Bi-Lo of Pisgah Forest, NC.
Activities during Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party, 11:00am to 1:00pm 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 2:00 p.m., the party continues with a live animal program by Carolina Mountain 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. Also visit our Café at the Cradle open, 11am to 3pm.
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 – The Party Begins with children’s music and games
- 11:00-1:00 – Smokey Bear games and crafts
- 11:30 – Smokey arrives to greet his friends
- 12:30 – Happy Birthday Song and cake serving begins
- 12:35 – Grand prize drawing (Smokey doll) and story time
- 1:00 – Games and crafts end; party-goers are invited to explore the Forest Discovery Center
- 2:00-3:00- Live animal program
- 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm- Smokey Bear for Adults presentation
Bi Lo of Pisgah Forest is sponsoring birthday cake and party supplies.