PINEDALE, Wyo. — Smokey Bear is celebrating his 80th birthday this year, and to celebrate, the Forest Service is looking for some original tributes from Smokey’s young fans.
Smokey was created in August of 1944, making his the longest running PSA campaign in the U.S. His visual legacy is long and acclaimed, but it can always use an update from the new generation.
The Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is holding a poster drawing contest through Thursday, Aug. 8.
Posters must include:
- An original drawing, no larger than 11 by 17 inches
- A written message
- The artist’s name, age and phone number listed on the back of the poster
Submit posters to the Pinedale Ranger District Office (29 E. Fremont Lake Road) by Aug. 8 to enter. Winners will be chosen based on the poster’s message and creativity, in three categories: ages 0 to 5, ages 6 to 10, and ages 11 and up.
BTNF offered design suggestions for the artists in a Facebook post, noting that “a good poster has a bold and simple design” and a message that’s “easily understood and delivered both in the picture and in text.”
Awards will be announced on Friday, Aug. 9, which is Smokey’s 80th birthday. The Pinedale district will celebrate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with cupcakes, photos with Smokey and giveaways. For more information, contact the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-4326 or Meredith.Malek@usda.gov.
