This Gigantic Carving Of Smokey Bear Is The Most South Dakota Thing We Have Seen This Year
Have you heard the news? Only you can prevent forest fires… oh, and South Dakota is now home to the world’s largest Smokey Bear! Whether you have seen it or not, you will want to read on, as we discuss the history of the carving, which may just be the most South Dakota thing we have seen this year:
Located in Hill City, the world's largest Smokey Bear is just that - a larger-than-life carving of the famous bear that stands at 30 feet tall and is 25 feet wide!
Created by chainsaw artists in a matter of 10 days, the concept of the world's largest Smokey Bear came about via the Hill City School District, as theirs is the only school in the nation whose official mascot is the talking bear.
Billed as being the longest-running public service announcement campaign in United States history, Smokey Bear first appeared in 1944, with posters reminding folks that "Smokey Says – Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires."
Since his first appearance, Smokey Bear has become a pop culture phenomenon and has since appeared in not only commercials, but books, apparel, postage stamps, movies, and - now - a gigantic carving in SoDak!
