Smokey Bear turns 80

When it comes to advertising symbols that have captured the public’s affection, Smokey Bear is a bear beyond compare. America’s most loveable fire-fighter – Smokey Bear – is celebrating his 80th birthday this year and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to recognize this festive occasion with a photo opportunity. To honor Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, MDC and the Missouri State University Brass and Sass Band are inviting the public to have a birthday picture taken with Smokey on four nights at this year’s Ozark Empire Fair. If a person has a cell phone, all they have to do is come by the MDC building on the west side of the fairgrounds on the nights Smokey will be there. An MDC staff person will snap a picture of you, or you and your family, with Smokey, and you will have a picture on your phone with you and one of the country’s most iconic symbols of nature and also of fire safety. Smokey will be at the MDC building from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in front of the MDC building on the west side of the fairgrounds on Thursday, July 25; Saturday, July 27; Wednesday, July 31 and Friday, August 2.