Smokey Bear celebrates poster contest winners

Smokey Bear had a busy June, visiting several schools in the West Bonner School District as students wrapped up the school year. Among the schools visited were Priest Lake, Priest River, and Idaho Hill elementary schools, as well as House of the Lord Christian Academy near Oldtown.

To celebrate turning 80, Smokey celebrated his upcoming birthday by riding atop an Idaho Department of Lands fire engine in the Coolin parade.

During the school visits, Smokey was accompanied by helpers from the Priest Lake U.S. Forest Service Ranger District and the Priest Lake Idaho Department of Lands. These helpers shared Smokey's messages about fire prevention and staying safe with fire. 

In addition, Smokey Bear and his helpers honored the winners of the Smokey Bear Poster Contest. Pam Aunan, one of the helpers, praised all the students who entered the contest and was especially pleased to announce two Idaho state winners who placed second in the region — Grace Nunley, a second-grade student, and Alexandra Gilbert, a third-grade student, both from House of the Lord Christian Academy.

"The National Garden Club is the major sponsor for this contest, and it's exciting to see our local students do so well," said Aunan.

Aunan emphasized that Smokey's messages and fire safety advice apply to everyone, and she encouraged all to have a safe, fire-free summer.

    Smokey participated in Idaho Hill’s Safety Day on June 5 and his helpers showed the schoolkids firefighting tools and their wildland fire engines.
  

    Area youth get their photo taken with Smokey in Coolin.
  

    Smokey rides in an Idaho Department of Lands truck during the Coolin parade on May 25. The ride was an early celebration of his upcoming 80th birthday.