Budweiser Clydesdales are rock stars in Turkey Creek as East Tennessee tour begins
“The day God made the Budweiser Clydesdales and dogs was a great day,” said Miriam Zimmermann as she burst into tears with excitement.
The world-famous Clydesdales strutted their stuff, wearing red and white ribbons and pulling the famous red beer wagon, for more than 1,000 spectators Dec. 1 at JC Penney in Turkey Creek.
“I always cry when I see them. We used to live in Miami. I saw them stabled for the Orange Bowl and I used to hold up my baby daughter to let her pet them. She loved it as much as I did,” Zimmermann said.
"I haven’t seen them in years. They’re just so majestic, I can’t help but cry."
The event was hosted by WIVK and Penney's.
The atmosphere at Turkey Creek was festive even before the Clydesdales made their appearance.
Local celebrity Josh Bolling (a member of the Karns Lions Club) was on hand as “Cousin Eddie” of the classic movie “Christmas Vacation,” complete with bathrobe and trashed out RV. He kept the crowd laughing with his antics until the main event arrived.
It takes a team of seven handlers about five hours to prepare and groom the Budweiser Clydesdales hitch for an event such as a parade, commercial or special appearance.
The Clydesdales have been around since 1933, touring the country. August A. Busch Jr. presented the original hitch as a gift to his father, August Anheuser Busch Sr., to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are rock stars. They stand about 18 hands high (6 feet) at the shoulders. But they are gentle giants — weighing between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds — not easily spooked. The breed must be reddish-brown with black mane and tail and white legs.
They have to love travel, as they cover 30,000 to 40,000 miles to perform more than 300 days a year.
The eight-horse team is a sight to behold and are well-trained to work together. The two Lead horses are slightly smaller than the rest. They have to cover the most territory and do it in the fastest time.
The second pair are known as the Swing horses. They are slightly larger than the Lead horses.
The third pair are called the Body horses and are slightly larger than the Swing horses. They help pull more of the load.
The fourth pair are the Wheel horses. They are the largest pair and they pull even more of the load.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to make more appearances around Knoxville and Gatlinburg.
Thursday, Dec. 2 at 4-7 p.m. Food City, 1715 W Broadway Ave. in Maryville.
Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 – 9 p.m. They’ll lead the 46th Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg.
Sunday, Dec. 5 at 12:30-3:30 p.m. Festival Lawn at World’s Fair Park 40th anniversary celebration in Knoxville.
Info: www.us.budweiser.com.
Shopper News: Highlighting what's happening in your community
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Email
Enjoy community content and premium perks while supporting strong local journalism. Visit knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Budweiser Clydesdales shine as they visit Turkey Creek in Knoxville
