IRONWOOD — The U.S. Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest, invites the public to join them on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Ottawa Visitor Center in Watersmeet to help Smokey Bear celebrate his 75th birthday.

Arts and crafts, movies, exhibits, trail walks, and games for all ages will be ongoing beginning at 10 a.m. continuing until 2 p.m. Free lunch will be provided by the Ottawa Interpretive Association and birthday cake will be served. There will be a special appearance from the birthday bear himself.

Since 1944 Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. Seventy-five years later, Smokey is the longest running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.

The celebration is a free event for the community and visitors to the area. For more information, contact the Ottawa Visitor Center at 906-358-4724.