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Smokey admires his likeness in one of the portraits on display at Pioneer Park Historical Complex. The portraits were created by USDA Forest Service artist Rudy Wendelin from 1977-1995.
Community gathers to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday
For the Star Journal
Photos by Dave Melancon
RHINELANDER – The Rhinelander community helped America’s famous wildland firefighting bear celebrate his 80th birthday during festivities held at the Pioneer Park Historical Complex Tuesday, July 2. The event coincides with National Forest Week. The portraits are on display through July 7.
The event included a public display of 19 historic Smokey portraits created by Forest Service artist Rudolph (Rudy) Wendelin, children’s activities and a dessert competition.
The dessert contest was a tie in with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Top Chef Wisconsin-inspired theme for 2024, which is “Culinary.” The culinary theme is inspired by this year’s Bravo TV season, “Top Chef Wisconsin.”
The park joined with U.S. Forest Service’s Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest Supervisor’s Office staff and students from the Blackwell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center as the celebration’s hosts. In addition to their support, the students also judged the desserts.
One goal of the exhibition was to call attention to fire safety during one of the busiest recreation weekends of the season. The portraits were on loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Library in Washington, D.C. and were on display through July 7. The exhibit has been displayed throughout the U.S. at such places as the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington state.
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