BEDFORD — Staff with the Hoosier National Forest will be hosting two events in August to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday.

Events open to the public will take place on both the Brownstown Ranger and Tell City ranger districts.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CDT) Aug. 17, staff will welcome visitors to the historic Rickenbaugh House within the Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area near St. Croix. Entertainment includes public service announcements from the last 80 years. Tools and equipment used by wildland firefighters will be on display along with historic images and information about the Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign.

Starting at 4 p.m. Aug. 31, staff will welcome visitors to Hardin Ridge campground within the Hardin Ridge Recreation area near Heltonville. A recreation interpreter will discuss wildfire prevention, the history of Smokey Bear and the “Only You” campaign. This event is co-hosted with campground management BA Services as part of the 60th anniversary of Monroe Lake.

Smokey Bear will be available to meet fans for photo opportunities at both events. Staff will hand out small gifts and prizes throughout both celebrations. Visitors at each event will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a 2025 America the Beautiful Pass. Birthday cake and cupcakes will be included while supplies last.

While free, the events require an $8 vehicle day-use fee for recreation areas. Registration is not required.

Smokey Bear, whose actual birthday is Aug. 9, is a well-known and celebrated ambassador of wildfire prevention, first appearing in 1944. His slogan, “Remember…Only YOU can prevent forest fires” has been featured in countless ad council messages, advertisements and on officially licensed products since 1947.”

For information, contact the forest supervisor’s office at 812-275-5987 or visit the forest Facebook page by searching for U.S. Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest.

Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make this small but beautiful 204,000 acre forest a local treasure.

The forest spans nine counties including the northwestern part of Jackson County.