The Ohio State Fair is full of tradition. For many families, one notable tradition is to be greeted by name by the iconic Smokey Bear.
Smokey Bear was brought into the wildfire prevention service in 1944 by the efforts of the U.S. Forest Service. Fifteen years after his debut, Smokey made his home here at the Ohio State Fair in 1959. Since then, the famous bear’s presence has become something children and adults alike look forward to each year.
Aside from promoting fire prevention and safety practices, Smokey Bear is best known for greeting fair visitors by their first names when they visit him in the 8-acre Natural Resources Park located at the southeast corner of the grounds. He stands next to a pavilion full of interactive natural resources and recreation opportunities. The park includes entertainment programs throughout the day and educational exhibits that highlight subjects such as Ohio wildlife, a tall grass prairie, and more.
In 2015, a 14-foot tall animatronic version of Smokey Bear was unveiled. The original Smokey Bear, who spent 55 years teaching fire prevention to children and their families, transitioned into a well-deserved retirement.
Smokey has interacted with and encouraged more than five decades of Fair visitors to take the pledge to “never, ever play with matches or leave any fire unattended,” during his time at the Ohio State Fair. Make it a point this year to visit Smokey Bear any day of the Ohio State Fair. Smokey’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.