CAPITAN, N.M. (KRQE) – The Smokey Bear Historical Park will be hosting Smokey Bear Days soon. The event is scheduled for May 3 and 4.
Smokey Bear turns 80 in 2024, so officials are celebrating. Some activities for Smokey Bear Days include a two-day music festival, firefighter challenge, chainsaw carving, conservation education, vendor booths, and a hometown parade.
In 1950, a bear cub was rescued from the Capitan Gap Fire north of Capitan. He was separated from his mother and burned. His story sparked the famous campaign to prevent wildfires.
“Smokey Bear became the living symbol of wildfire prevention. He spent the next 25 years at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., serving as an ambassador for wildfire prevention to the millions of people who visited the zoo every year. When he passed away in 1976, he was brought back to Capitan to be buried in the park that bears his name. Smokey Bear Days started in 2004 and was last hosted in 2019 in celebration of Smokey’s 75th birthday,” states a release from the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department.
Smokey Bear Historical Park admission is $2 for adults, $1 for kids ages 7-12, and children 6 & under are free. Park hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday (last entry 4:15 p.m.).
Additionally, there is a Rudy Wendelin Smokey Bear art exhibit on display at the park. Learn more about it by clicking here.
