Bessey Ranger District Hosts 80th Birthday Party for Smokey Bear

HALSEY – The Bessey Ranger District near Halsey is hosting three days of activities this week to celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday.

Smokey Bear was created in 1944 by the U.S. Forest Service for a series of public service announcements to inform the public about the dangers of man-made forest fires. He has since become one of the country’s best-known mascots.

On Thursday, August 1st at 7:00pm Smokey will appear for a photo opportunity and a story. The activities are being conducted in partnership with the Nebraska Bow Hunters Association.

There will be a guided tour of the Bessey Nursery on Friday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and be able to walk on uneven ground. The tour will begin at the Visitor Center. The tour is expected to last 45 minutes to an hour.

On Saturday, August 3rd, there will be a birthday party with cake and games. The party is in partnership with Black Hills Parks and Forests. Activities begin at 1:00pm with a Smokey performance, telling the Smokey story and a birthday cake while it lasts. Other activities include playing Safe Fire Bingo and a Leave No Trace Hike.

Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA) is the official nonprofit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Black Hills National Forest, Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands, and the National Grasslands Visitor Center. BHPFA provides essential funding to our public sector partners to support their educational goals.

Camping is limited this weekend. If you plan to camp, consider the first-come, first-served sites at Natick Campground. Natick Campground is accessible from 212. The campground is primitive, but has a vault toilet, non-potable water, and plenty of shade.