Smokey Bear is making a special appearance in the Ozarks for the solar eclipse.
The Smokey Bear Balloon, a hot air balloon managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, will be at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Van Buren Saturday through Monday. The balloon’s presence is a part of Mark Twain National Forest’s ‘Zark Side of the Moon weekend event.
The hot air balloon will be available for short, free rides starting at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Rides involve the balloon rising about 50 feet into the air while tethered to the ground before returning down. High humidity, unfavorable temperatures, and wind or rain may impact these rides. Updates will be posted on the National Park Service website and Ozark National Scenic Riverways Facebook Page.