Last week, Devante Lockamy found himself in Central Park during the early hours of Thanksgiving, teeming with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as he embarked on a unique Forest Service holiday tradition. Never in his life did he ever expect to hold the tether of a 51-foot-tall Smokey Bear balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Reflecting on his own holiday customs, Lockamy shared, “My grandmother and dad would always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the family room. But I was always in the kitchen with my mom.”
Having earned the title of “head chef” for the family turkey, Lockamy’s Thanksgiving mornings were synonymous with the hustle and bustle of a lively kitchen in his family of avid cooks.
This year, however, Lockamy’s culinary duties took a back seat. Alongside Sarah Fisher, deputy director of Fire and Aviation Management, Lockamy stood as one of two Forest Service representatives conveying Smokey’s fire prevention message to over 25 million parade viewers. Despite concerns about missing his mother’s famous baked ham, he attentively listened to balloon captains giving instructions on controlling the tethers through a system of whistles and hand signals.
As the parade kicked off, the team of balloon handlers, clad in matching coveralls, carefully marched Smokey onto the street. The crowd erupted in cheers, and children chanted for their favorite bear.
Lockamy, overwhelmed by the support, said, “Seeing the faces of people, all ages, light up as we marched made me appreciate being part of this agency and our mission.”
For Lockamy, a former wildland firefighter turned program specialist, Smokey Bear’s message of fire prevention resonates strongly amid the nation’s wildfire crisis. “Smokey shows everyone that they have the power to prevent wildfires if they practice fire safety and recreate responsibly. Smokey shows you how to speak up if you see something that could start an unwanted fire,” he emphasized.
Smokey Bear made his Macy’s parade debut in 1952 as a costumed version. However, the original balloon made its first appearance in 1966 and its last in 1993. A revamped balloon marked Smokey’s return in 2019 for his 75th birthday celebration. The Forest Service, a key partner in the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Committee, collaborates with state foresters and the Ad Council to bring Smokey’s message to various platforms, including the parade, as part of their commitment to the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign.
After navigating the grandstands and completing the 2.5-mile celebration, Lockamy, his arms weary from pulling the tether up and down, reunited with his daughter and partner who watched the parade from the stands.
While cooking his famous turkey would have to wait until he returned home, Lockamy shared a traditional meal at a restaurant in the “city that never sleeps” with his family, the focal point of his gratitude this year.
For more information about Smokey Bear, visit https://smokeybear.com/.
