Smokey Bear Association Convention is celebrating its 25th Anniversary at the Lehigh Valley Hoteland Conference Center, 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem.

This is a national organization, formerly Hot Foot Teddy Collectors Association, that meets every two years with a mission to promote, protect and preserve the image of Smokey Bear.

Previous conventions have taken places in Reno, Nevada; Branson, Missouri; and Bend, Oregon.

This is only the second time it is meeting on the East Coast.

The meeting will take place from 2:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the Smokey Bear Association invites the public to Meet and Greet Smokey Bear.

Smokey will meet with the children and play Smokey games. Get a sticker that you saw Smokey today and take a picture with the famous bear.

Inside the Ballroom, Smokey Bear Association displays will be set up and vendors will be open to the public.

Displays will include an exhibit of over 50 Smokey original watercolor painting by licensed artist Gary Embich of Saylorsburg.

Along with their line of Smokey items for sale includes prints, coasters and Christmas cards all promoting Smokey Bear image. Vendor tables include Smokey Bear items that have been collected over the years and are for sale.

Also, on display will be the collection of Jim and Nancy Shaffer from Lehighton.

Posters from 1944 through present day will also be on display.