Celebrating Smokey Bear: Parades Over the Years a Tribute
Discover how Smokey Bear, an honorary icon in wildfire prevention, was celebrated at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking his 80th anniversary with joyful viewers and dedicated handlers.
Celebrating Smokey Bear at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was an event like no other this year. For many, including forty-year fire lookouts and Thanksgiving tradition enthusiasts, seeing the world's biggest Smokey Bear float down the streets of New York City was a nostalgic highlight. It was a chance to honor a beloved figure who has been spreading the message of wildfire prevention for 80 years. In this post, we explore the excitement, dedication, and love for Smokey Bear that filled the streets during the parade.
The Smokey Bear Phenomenon
For those who grew up with the resonant motto, "Only you can prevent wildfires," Smokey Bear is more than just a mascot. Introduced in 1944 as the face of a campaign to prevent wildfires, Smokey has become an impactful icon, advocating for forest safety and preservation. His influence stretches across generations, much like cherished family traditions.
This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was not just any parade. It was an opportunity to commemorate Smokey's 80th birthday with millions watching worldwide. With an impressive 16-foot long, 25-foot wide, and 51-foot tall balloon, Smokey Bear stood tall, reminding us all of our responsibility to protect natural resources.
Highlights from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring Smokey Bear
In 2024, Smokey turned 80 years old and celebrated in a parade! In full parade regalia, wearing matching coveralls and rain gear, volunteers braved the persistent rain to handle the enormous balloon over a 2.5-mile parade route. Their task was not just physical but emotional, representing an agency committed to forest conservation since Smokey’s introduction.
Preparing for the Parade
Attending and participating in this annual event requires immense dedication. The commitment from the volunteers, parade organizers, and balloon handlers illustrates the collective effort required to celebrate such an occasion. Alex Robertson, director of fire, fuels, and aviation for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Regions of the U.S. Forest Service, along with his colleague Tess McCarville, a training specialist for the Forest Service’s national fire and aviation management program, were among the key participants managing the Smokey Bear balloon.
The Parade Day Experience
Despite heavy rain, the spirit of the parade was undeterred. Thousands lined the parade route, many chanting, "Smokey, Smokey!" With enthusiasm in abundance, the duo and their fellow handlers drove Smokey along, uplifting spectators despite the challenging weather.
Robertson shared his reflections on the experience, expressing amazement at the iconic event he'd watched since childhood. Being part of such a tradition as both spectator and participant was a unique honor. Watching Smokey move through the streets of New York was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a reminder of the continuing commitment to wildfire prevention.
Devante Lockamy found himself in Central Park during the early hours of Thanksgiving, teeming with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as he embarked on a unique Forest Service holiday tradition. Never in his life did he ever expect to hold the tether of a 51-foot-tall Smokey Bear balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Devante Lockamy, Program Specialist, stands under the 51-foot-tall Smokey Bear balloon on Thanksgiving Day.
Reflecting on his own holiday customs, Lockamy shared, “My grandmother and dad would always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the family room. But I was always in the kitchen with my mom.”
Having earned the title of “head chef” for the family turkey, Lockamy’s Thanksgiving mornings were synonymous with the hustle and bustle of a lively kitchen in his family of avid cooks.
This year, however, Lockamy’s culinary duties took a back seat. Alongside Sarah Fisher, deputy director of Fire and Aviation Management, Lockamy stood as one of two Forest Service representatives conveying Smokey’s fire prevention message to over 25 million parade viewers. Despite concerns about missing his mother’s famous baked ham, he attentively listened to balloon captains giving instructions on controlling the tethers through a system of whistles and hand signals.
Sarah Fisher, deputy director of Fire and Aviation Management, holds her balloon tether with other balloon handlers. (USDA Forest Service photo by Devante Lockamy)
As the parade kicked off, the team of balloon handlers, clad in matching coveralls, carefully marched Smokey onto the street. The crowd erupted in cheers, and children chanted for their favorite bear.
Lockamy, overwhelmed by the support, said, “Seeing the faces of people, all ages, light up as we marched made me appreciate being part of this agency and our mission.”
For Lockamy, a former wildland firefighter turned program specialist, Smokey Bear’s message of fire prevention resonates strongly amid the nation’s wildfire crisis. “Smokey shows everyone that they have the power to prevent wildfires if they practice fire safety and recreate responsibly. Smokey shows you how to speak up if you see something that could start an unwanted fire,” he emphasized.
Balloon handlers stand under the giant Smokey Bear awaiting instructions from the balloon captains in white coveralls.
(USDA Forest Service photo by Devante Lockamy)
Smokey Bear made his Macy’s parade debut in 1952 as a costumed version. However, the original balloon made its first appearance in 1966 and its last in 1993. A revamped balloon marked Smokey’s return in 2019 for his 75th birthday celebration. The Forest Service, a key partner in the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Committee, collaborates with state foresters and the Ad Council to bring Smokey’s message to various platforms, including the parade, as part of their commitment to the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign.
After navigating the grandstands and completing the 2.5-mile celebration, Lockamy, his arms weary from pulling the tether up and down, reunited with his daughter and partner who watched the parade from the stands.
Smokey Bear delivers his fire prevention message at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (USDA Forest Service photo by Devante Lockamy)
While cooking his famous turkey would have to wait until he returned home, Lockamy shared a traditional meal at a restaurant in the “city that never sleeps” with his family, the focal point of his gratitude this year.
For more information about Smokey Bear, visit https://smokeybear.com/.
An Icon’s Legacy
Smokey Bear’s history in the parade is long-standing, with his original balloon first appearing in 1966 and retiring in 1993. His return in 2019, coinciding with his 75th anniversary, marked a jubilant comeback. This year, Smokey's presence in the 98th annual parade spread his message to over 31 million viewers, reinforcing the ongoing mission of preventing wildfires, a message profoundly relevant to both young and old audiences globally.
In the 1993 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Smokey Bear made a special appearance to commemorate his upcoming 50th anniversary in 1994. This marked his return to the parade after a 12-year hiatus, with his previous appearance being in 1981.
The Smokey Bear balloon that appeared in the 1993 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was the same balloon that had been used from its debut in 1966 through 1981. After its retirement in 1981, the balloon was brought out of retirement for a special appearance in 1993 to celebrate Smokey Bear's upcoming 50th anniversary in 1994.
This 1993 appearance was a one-time event, and the original balloon was retired again after the parade. In 2019, a new Smokey Bear balloon was introduced to commemorate his 75th birthday, featuring updated designs to reflect the character's modern appearance.
This appearance not only honored Smokey Bear's milestone anniversary but also served as a reminder of his enduring message: "Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires."
For a visual glimpse of Smokey Bear's 1993 parade appearance, you might find this video informative:
In the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Smokey Bear was featured as a giant helium balloon, continuing his role as a symbol of wildfire prevention. The balloon depicted Smokey Bear in his classic attire: a wide-brimmed ranger hat labeled "Smokey," blue jeans, and a belt buckle bearing his name. He held a large shovel inscribed with the message "Prevent Forest Fires," reinforcing his commitment to wildfire prevention.
This appearance marked Smokey Bear's 16th consecutive appearance in the parade since his debut as a balloon in 1966. Following the 1981 parade, the Smokey Bear balloon was retired due to age and wear.
For a visual glimpse of Smokey Bear's 1981 parade appearance, you might find this video informative:
Join the Movement: Prevent Wildfires
The impact of Smokey Bear goes beyond a single day's celebration. It's a lasting call to action. By embracing Smokey’s message, we contribute to preserving forests and wildlife for future generations. Awareness and responsible action in caring for our forests ensure that the message of Smokey Bear remains vibrant, relevant, and a key component of national wildfire prevention strategies. As we honor Smokey Bear’s contribution, let us pledge to keep his message alive.
Learn about all the many ways you can help Smokey Bear get his message out of Only You Can Prevent Wildfires. (Photo courtesy of Velveteen Videos)
