Dunn’s Corners Fire Department Ready to Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday | Westerly

Department members, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Protection and first responders from across the region, will host the 2024 Karl E. Kenyon Smokey Bear Parade on July 18 featuring a procession of fire engines, special 80th birthday fire safety gear for kids, and of course, Smokey!

With more than 400 confirmed participants already using social media to confirm their attendance at the annual event, already more than double the number who confirmed a year ago, Deputy Chief Jeffrey Thomas said he expects a huge turnout for the annual event.

“It’s a must-see moment for the community at this point, so many people tell us how much they look forward to it every year,” Thomas said. “We started marketing in March, even earlier than before, and ran a Facebook ad. It’s amazing how many people talk about it as a memorable moment, and that’s why it’s so rewarding.”

The annual parade began more than 55 years ago under the leadership of Karl Kenyon, the father of Dunn’s Corners Fire Chief Keith Kenyon. The event was originally conceived as a simple celebration to bring volunteers and the community together in a non-emergency setting.

Kenyon, who was very active in the community, was able to bring Smokey with him and soon after the annual program was led by Smokey, who was provided by RI DEM. The parade was renamed in honor of former department chief Karl Kenyon after his passing.

While the agency had hoped to do something big in 2020 to mark Smokey’s 75th birthday, COVID-19 had other plans. The department was still able to keep traditions going, albeit with a little less fanfare and a lot more social distancing. Thomas said, however, that he didn’t expect such restrictions to be imposed for this celebration.

“Not only Smokey, but Sparky the fire dog will also be joining us this year and we expect there to be a lot of people at a few stops,” Thomas said. “We’re prepared and we expect it to be a good time.”

For Smokey, staying in the game at age 80 has meant overcoming many challenges and evolving with different generations. A special U.S. Forest Service website has been created to celebrate the achievement.

“Despite the success of Smokey Bear’s campaign over the years, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our nation’s forests and grasslands,” the website states. “With more than 80 percent of wildfires started accidentally or by careless or improper behavior, Smokey’s message is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.”

Kenyon, who commented on the experience of watching the parade change over the years, said the program is one of the fondest memories he has of his father and all he did for the community.

“It’s an event that brought back so many memories for me, both as a kid and as an adult,” Kenyon said at the start of last year’s event. “I still remember the smile on my dad’s face, back when former Chief Andrew “Buzz” Haggerty was in the suit. That’s when I got to ride in the truck.”

The 2024 procession will make its way to all four stops with scheduled appearances by Smokey and Sparky at the Charlestown Beach parking lot at 5:45 p.m.; in Weekapaug at the corner of Knowles Avenue and Weekapaug Road at 6:30 p.m.; at the Misquamicut Fire Department on Crandall Avenue at 7:15 p.m.; and in Watch Hill on Bay Street for the final stop at 7:30 p.m.