Giant Smokey Bear hot air balloon to launch at Cherry Festival in Traverse City this week

TRAVERSE CITY (WWJ) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is taking their messaging about forest fire prevention to new heights!

A giant Smokey Bear hot air balloon will be featured this week by the DNR at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.

Featuring Smokey’s famous face and ranger hat, the unique hot air balloon is set to be inflated each evening after 6 p.m. at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, according to a DNR press release.

Additionally, the iconic fire prevention figure will serve as parade marshal for the DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade on Saturday, July 6.

“We’re excited to host the Smokey Bear balloon this year and give people a chance to enjoy this pop culture icon and learn more about preventing wildland fires,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist.

Celebrating his 80th birthday this year, Smokey Bear was created in 1944 after the USDA Forest Service and Ad Council decided to use the character to symbolize forest fire prevention and awareness.

The balloon — which previously appeared at Escanaba’s Upper Peninsula State Fair in 2021 — measures at a whopping 97 feet tall, and is up to 72 feet wide. According to the press release, it weighs in at 546 pounds, and requires between 12-15 crew members to launch.

The balloon will make tethered flights Wednesday-Saturday through dusk, with a special “balloon glow” on Thursday evening.

The DNR will also be hosting a fire prevention booth in downtown Traverse City during the Cherry Festival, along with a Smokey Bear bounce house and other activities.

The National Cherry Festival runs from July 3 through July 6 in Traverse City.