Lincoln National Forest and the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation department will be sponsoring a community birthday party for Smokey Bear's 75th Birthday. Join us between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Wingfield Park on August 10, 2019, to help celebrate Smokey's birthday!

Cupcakes and refreshments will be served. There will be an archery shoot, face painting, and the Smokey Bear cold air balloon. You can take a turn trying to sink Forest Service staff at the dunk tank or try your hand at using the crosscut saw. Of course, Smokey Bear will be around to snap photos with and give hugs.

Since 1944, Smokey Bear has protected America’s forest from unwanted, human-caused fires. New Mexico and the Lincoln National Forest play a unique role in the Smokey Bear campaign. In 1950 a small bear cub was found in a charred tree during a wildfire in the Capitan Mountains. News spread quickly about the little bear, and he became the living symbol of Smokey Bear.

Visit SmokeyBear.com to learn more about wildfire prevention and remember: Only you can prevent wildfires.