On Friday, August 9th, Lee County Libraries and the City of Sanford Appearance Commission will join millions across the country in celebrating the beloved Smokey Bear on his 80th birthday – and the whole community is invited to participate.
The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the Main Library’s auditorium, located at 107 Hawkins Ave, Sanford, and is intended for all ages, with no registration required.
Party festivities include games, coloring sheets, creating birthday cards, and a featured story time with special guests from the City of Sanford and the Lee County Forestry Service. Birthday cake will be provided for attendees, along with a special visit from the birthday bear himself.
In honor of Smokey’s 80th birthday, the National Park Service has provided libraries with stickers and Smokey Bear information cards. Stop by for a goodie bag and celebrate with libraries across the country to learn what you can do to prevent forest fires.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate this iconic bear’s birthday with our community,” said Beth List, Director of Library Services of Lee County Government. “This event will be a great collaboration between our library staff, the City of Sanford, and the National Park Service.”
Smokey Bear is one of our nation’s longest running public service campaigns. The wildfire prevention campaign began in 1944 and has consistently focused on educating the American public on how to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.
For additional information about Lee County Libraries programming and events, call 919-718-4665 or email library@leecountync.gov; media questions may be directed to Hailey Hall with Lee County Government at 919-718-4605 ext. 5521 or hhall@leecountync.gov.