Government agencies celebrating 75 years of Smokey the Bear

St. Ignace, Mich. – Officials are preparing for a celebration of the 75-year existence of Smokey the Bear.

Agencies involved in celebrating the famous mascot’s legacy include the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and others.

A birthday party is set to take place on Friday at Straits State Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in St. Ignace, Michigan.

The popular expression “only you can prevent forest fires” is attributed to Smokey the Bear – a slogan that continues to resonate in America.