A Bear, A Birthday, and Books

The Middleton Community Library ended this year’s summer reading program by celebrating the 80th birthday of Smokey the Bear. Smokey’s official birthday is August 9, 1944, but he is enjoying a year-long celebration that kicked off with a float in January’s Tournament of Roses Parade. Smokey visited with some of his helpers from the Tennessee Division of Forestry - Ben Sanders, Forestry Technician, Jonathan Eads, Forestry Assistant, and Wesley Moore, Forestry Assistant. They shared Smokey’s story with the children and answered questions. Smokey was a real bear cub that was found by rangers after a wildfire in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico and became the spokes-bear for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Service.

His now famous tagline reminds children and adults that “only YOU can prevent Forest Fires”. Smokey the bear cub appeared in numerous print and television ads for many years and made his home in the National Zoo in Washington D. C.

The library announced their top readers for this year’s program, and children enjoyed special Smokey the Bear themed crafts, along with lunch at the library. Owen Cutberth said he enjoyed learning about Smokey. “It is always fun to come to the library and it was cool to meet Smokey and learn all about his real story.”

For more information and resources about Smokey, visit his official website at www.smokeybear.com.