Lake Shelbyville -- 80 years is a tremendous milestone—for anyone. To make it to 80 means you have overcome life’s greatest challenges and you truly become the elder, the sage, the one who knows a thing or two and should be listened to. Being the spokes-bear, if you will, of the longest running and most successful advertising campaign in American history, at 80 years old, I think Smokey Bear would agree, so does Lake Shelbyville.
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans just like you about their role in preventing wildfires. Eighty years later, Smokey is celebrating a milestone birthday on August 9th. The first 80 people to visit the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center on August 9th will receive a custom Smokey Bear sticker. The Visitor Center will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers wear the famous “Ranger Hat” referred to as the Campaign Hat. The ranger uniform, be it National Park Service, Forest Service or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, got its start with the First Cavalry’s arrival at Yellowstone in 1886. Each service uniform has insignia making it distinguishable from one another. Hat bands and badges are different for each service. Smokey Bear, the animal logo-mascot for the U.S. Forest Service and fire prevention also wears a ranger hat. Help us celebrate Smokey Bear who wears a ranger hat like we do!
For additional information, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.
Release no. 24-032