Published: August 07, 2008 05:15 pm            

Turkey Run State Park celebrating Smokey Bear’s 64th birthday

MARSHALL, Ind. — A celebration for Smokey Bear’s 64th birthday will take place at the Turkey Run State Park Nature Center on Saturday.

Throughout the day, families can make Smokey hats, participate in a Smokey Scavenger Hunt, color Smokey Bear papers, and have their pictures taken with Smokey himself.

At 10 a.m., wildland firefighter Jeff Cummings will share his stories about fighting wildfires, and tell about “good” fires vs. “bad” fires. He’ll show video footage of a real forest fire. At program’s end, meet Smokey Bear. This famous bear will celebrate 64 years as the Forest Service mascot, teaching people how to prevent wildfires.

At 11 a.m., see the story of Smokey Bear as told by Hopalong Cassidy in an original 1950s film. Meet Hoppy re-enactor Joe Sullivan. Those attending can bring cameras for pictures with this famous television cowboy and his authentic six-shooters.

At noon and again at 3 p.m., visitors can join park staff in singing “Happy Birthday” to Smokey, and then enjoy some cake and lemonade. Smokey will pass out gifts.

Visitors on Saturday can help feed the birds at the Nature Center at 9:30 a.m. and register to attend a 2 p.m. Planetarium Star Show that features current constellations, planets, deep space objects and star legends dating back to the beginnings of astronomy. Families can gather at the nature center at 9 p.m. to enjoy a bat program and one-hour easy night hike.

The Nature Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features a wildlife observation area, live snakes and turtles, interactive exhibits and a small gift shop. For more information, call (765) 597-2654.

Indiana residents pay only a $5 per vehicle gate fee to enjoy the park all day and non-residents pay $7 per vehicle.

        

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