Smokey Bear, one of America's most enduring symbols, will be busy for the next few months in Utah as he prepares to celebrate his 50th birthday in 1994.
Elsewhere, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will trot him out at the Tournament of Roses Parade, Fiesta Bowl, and soccer's World Cup Championship in Los Angeles."There have been surveys done, and the only more-recognized character is Santa Claus," said Dave Dalrymple, a fire management forester for the Utah Division of Lands and Forestry. "That puts him in some heavy-duty company. The little ones love him."
Dalrymple, state coordinator for the bear's 50th anniversary, said Smokey will be on hand at a Weber State University women's basketball game Friday. Next summer, he'll take part in Ogden's Pioneer Days Rodeo, visit Moab's Jeep Safari, Bear Lake's Raspberry Days, the Provo Freedom Festival and many other festivities.
All these celebrations culminate Aug. 9, 1994, when the Mall in Washington, D.C., will host a daylong event.
Although Smokey Bear jumped to life from an artist's table in 1944, he didn't really catch on as a symbol until 1950.