TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A familiar face in fire prevention is soaring above the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City this week when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources hosts the Smokey Bear hot air balloon.
The balloon has hung out this week at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. In addition, Smokey Bear also will serve as the parade marshal for the DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, July 6. He celebrates his 80th birthday this year.
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“Smokey is a fire prevention icon,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “The balloon brings attention to Smokey’s very important cause.”
The balloon previously appeared at the 2021 Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba. It measures 97 feet tall and up to 72 feet in diameter. It requires a crew of 12-15 volunteers to launch.
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