The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several public appearances in the East Tennessee area this month, including a Folds of Honor retailer event on Wednesday, May 20, at Food City at 6710 Malone Creek Drive, Knoxville, TN 37931.

Two more appearances are scheduled at Covenant Health Park, 500 East Jackson Ave., Knoxville, TN 37915, on May 21, prior to the Savannah Bananas Ball World Tour Game, and on May 22, prior to the Knoxville Smokies game. Both events are from 5 – 7 p.m.

The eight horses will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at the following events:

There will be a Folds of Honor donation presentation, plus a pregame parade and fan photo opportunities around the stadium on May 22.

The Clydesdales’ East Tennessee appearances are just some of the hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent first brought Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800s, and today the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses selected for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least 3 years old, stand about 18 hands, or six feet, at the shoulder, weigh around 2,000 pounds and have the distinctive bay coloring, four white legs, a white blaze and a black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is also essential, as the horses meet millions of people each year.

A single Clydesdale hitch horse can consume 20 to 25 quarts of feed, 40 to 50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water in a day. Each hitch also travels with a Dalmatian, a tradition that dates back to the early days of brewing when the dogs helped protect the horses and guard the wagon during deliveries.

The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed year-round at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as at Warm Springs Ranch near Boonville, Missouri.

Betsi James is the special events manager for the Food City Knoxville division.

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