Smokey Bear flies in 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Smokey Bear will once again float down the streets of New York City for the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The star of the longest-running public service advertising campaign will remind viewers about his important message: Only you can prevent wildfires.

Smokey’s original balloon first appeared in 1966 to promote a Smokey cartoon special airing Thanksgiving night and it last appeared in 1993. His new version first appeared in 2019 to celebrate his 75th birthday. The balloon measures 16 feet long, 25 feet wide and 51 feet tall!

The USDA Forest Service’s wildfire prevention symbol launched in August 1944 and is under the joint auspices of the agency, Ad Council and National Association of State Foresters. Smokey’s message is no less important today than it was in 1944. In fact, Smokey received so much mail that the U.S. Postal Service gave him a personal zip code. Smokey still receives mail each year, often simply addressed to Smokey Bear 20252. His website, smokeybear.com, has information about his history, as well as educational materials for teachers and kids.

For decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the nation’s most anticipated and watched holiday celebrations. Viewers nationwide can catch all the action via the special broadcasts on NBC and Telemundo, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., in all time zones, For the first time, fans can also stream the broadcast on Peacock.

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