HOPKINS - Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, is Smokey Bear's 65th birthday.

Congaree National Park and the USDA Forest Service are joining forces to celebrate America's favorite bear and 65 years of protecting America's forestlands from wildfires. The free event will kick off at 1 p.m. at the area around the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and run until 3:30 p.m.

There will be a bunch of activities for kids of all ages including Junior Fire Fighter Training, making a birthday card for Smokey Bear, the Owl Calling Contest and a scavenger hunt. The party will conclude at 3:30 with a birthday cake and, of course, an appearance by Smokey.

For more information, call 803-776-4396, ext. 0, or visit www.nps.gov/ cong.