Budweiser Clydesdales to make Pensacola visits to Blue Angels airshow, Blue Wahoos Stadium

So, eight Clydesdales sashay into an air show...

There's no joke. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses are going to be prancing and posing at the jet-loud annual Blue Angels Air Show, Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Don't worry, their ears and the rest of their massive equine bodies will be off site before the annual air show begins each day.

The eight-horse team will also appear and sign autographs at Blue Wahoos Stadium from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1. Just kidding about the autographs - no opposable thumbs. But it is kind of a celebrity meet-and-greet, right? You'll even be able to pose for photos in front of the hitched-wagon Budweiser Clydesdales. There's no charge but bring your own camera or phone for photos. Volunteers from Pensacola Catholic High will help snap the photos.

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The Budweiser Clydesdales have been part of American culture - though they are a Scottish breed - since the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company was presented its first line of the majestic horses in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. In the early years, they Clydesdales became known for their live appearances and were already marketing favorites with magazine advertisements and even depictions on postcards and artwork. In more modern times, the Budweiser Clydesdales have marched in two presidential inaugurations and have become beloved for their Super Bowl commercials and their Christmas commercials, the latter of which are part of many cherished holiday memories - advertising at its best and most effective. Just ask an advertising guy.

"There aren't many iconic symbols that stood the test of time and remain like they have,'' said Dick Appleyard, president of the Appleyard Agency advertising firm in Pensacola. "They've become identified with Christmas for many people, almost like Santa."

A key to the Budweiser Clydesdales longevity, Appleyard said, is that they follow the Santa method. Don't overdo it and maybe just show up once or twice a year. That's why "Christmas in July" is OK but pushing it. Keep folks wanting more.

"They've been real smart by not overdoing the use of that brand,'' he said. "It's strategic timing."

This is the first Pensacola visit by the Budweiser Clydesdales since 2014 when the Clydesdales came to Pensacola for the 100th anniversary of NAS Pensacola celebration.

At this year's Blue Angels show, the Budweiser Clydesdales will be hitched to their famous beer wagon and on display near the flightline at least 90 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. airshow start. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the Pensacola-based Blue Angels are expected to fly around 2 p.m. both days.

Local Anheuser-Busch distributor the Lewis Bear Company is host for the Pensacola Clydesdale events.

"It's great for the community and especially teaming up with the military and the Blue Angels,'' said Chad Bonner, president of the Lewis Bear Company. "The Clydesdales are iconic. Giving fans of all ages a chance to see and take a picture with these magnificent animals in all their glory is a chance of a lifetime for many."

Brought to the U.S. in the mid-1800s as draft horses used for farm work, today the Clydesdalesare used primarily for breeding and show.

Budweiser Clydesdales must have a reddish-brown coat, black mane and tail, and four feathery white stocking feet with a white marking - blaze - on its face.

Last month, Anheuser-Busch announced that it had ended the controversial practice of tail docking of its horses earlier in the year, following protests and condemnations, most notably from PETA.

The Clydesdales will be sequestered at an undisclosed, safe location in the days between the Pensacola appearances. That's because celebrities usually don't announce where they're staying when they visit a town.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Pensacola Blue Angel airshow to feature Clydesdales.