Smokey Bear Days event returns to Capitan, NM 

CAPITAN, NM – On May 2 and 3, the Smokey Bear Historical Park hosts its annual Smokey Bear Days event in Capitan to celebrate New Mexico’s most famous bear and amplify his message of preventing wildfires.

Two days of family-friendly events feature a parade, a firefighter challenge, cornhole tournaments, and presentations inside the museum. Schools and families are encouraged to bring students of all ages to meet Smokey and learn about wildland fire prevention, firefighting, natural resource conservation, wildlife, watershed protection and reforestation. Events run from 10 am – 4 pm on both days.

“We’re always excited to host this event celebrating Smokey and his message that ‘Only you can prevent wildfires,’” said Mary Lavin, Smokey Bear Historical Park Manager. “While there will be plenty to learn and see, it’s our hope that folks will use this as an opportunity to travel to Capitan, enjoy the festivities and have a good time.”

Admission to the outdoor events is free. Smokey Bear Historical Park admission is $6.00 for adults over 13, $4.00 for seniors over 62, $3.00 for youth (ages 7-12) and free for children under the age of 6.

In May 1950, a young bear cub was recovered from the Capitan Gap fire on the Lincoln National Forest, just north of Capitan. Separated from his mother during the fire, he was badly burned, and there was little chance that he would survive the ordeal until firefighters rescued him and brought him back to fire camp. There, he came under the custody of New Mexico Game and Fish warden, Ray Bell, and several other key figures who connected the story of this little orphaned bear cub to an already existing national wildfire prevention campaign.

Taking the name Smokey Bear, this cub became the living symbol of wildfire prevention. He spent the next 25 years at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., serving as an ambassador for wildfire prevention to the millions of people who visit the zoo every year. When he passed away in 1976, he was brought back to Capitan to be buried in the park that bears his name.

Smokey Bear Days started in 2004 as a celebration of Smokey’s birthday.