Where to see the Budweiser Clydesdales in Canton at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
JACKSON TWP. − A horse is a horse, unless of course, it's one of the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
The official ambassadors of Budweiser beer arrived on Kent State University's Stark campus this week in conjunction with this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival produced by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Clydesdales will participate in the Balloon Classic presented by Aultman this weekend, and The Canton Repository Grand Parade on Aug 5.
A team of 10 Clydesdales — Steve, Majestic, Romeo, Brandon, Tim, Phoenix, RJ, Tom, Beck and Bandit — and Dalmatians Lilly and Natty greeted visitors on Wednesday morning.
The Clydesdales' connection to Budweiser goes back 90 years, to 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch III gifted their father and grandfather, Anheuser-Busch founder August A. Busch Sr. with a six-horse Clydesdale team and wagon to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition.
Hall of Fame enshrinement guide: Your guide to the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival events
Budweiser Clydesdales: 'I love them. I couldn't wait to wake up this morning.'
Amber Nesvitt of Perry Township said she remembers the thrill of seeing the Clydesdales during Pro Football Hall of Fame festivals when she was a child. On Wednesday, she brought her children, Brock, 17, Charlotte and Nolan, 6, and Aurora, 3 so they could have their own memories.
"They're beautiful," Nesvitt said. "I love them. I couldn't wait to wake up this morning. These are the things everybody remembers forever."
Clydesdale team supervisor Dave Thomas, who leads a crew of about seven, said they travel 45 weeks a year.
"During that time, we make about 200 appearances a year," he said.
Thomas said most of the horses are born and bred at the Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, the official breeding facility of the Budweiser Clydesdales.
"We also buy some from breeders," he said.
Thomas said the Clydesdales work for about 10 years, after which Budweiser makes sure they enjoy a comfortable retirement.
Joyce Fildes: 'They're so big. I love their feet.'
Craig and Joyce Fildes of Meyers Lake brought granddaughter and grandson, Blake and Jax Morris, 7, and 3, respectively, to greet the horses.
But the adults were as excited as the kids, with Joyce Fildes being in awe of their physicality.
"They're so big," she said. "I love their feet."
Craig Fildes said he did some research on the Clydesdales before their visit.
Clydesdales are draft horses, originally bred to pull heavy wagons. The average adult Clydesdale is 17 "hands" high, and weighs between 1,900 and 2,200 pounds.
Their origins go back to Lanarkshire, Scotland, in the 1700s when Flemish horses were bred with local horses. Their name refers to the Clyde River in Scotland. The breed was officially recognized in 1826. They first appeared in the U.S. in the mid-1800s.
Despite their size, they are known for their gentle disposition.
"The size, the beauty, the prestige of them is phenomenal," Fildes said.
Amanda McDonald of Jackson Township loves the Clydesdales so much, she wore a Budweiser Clydesdales T-shirt. She brought awestruck sons Ryder, 11, and Emmett, 4, and daughter, Addelyn, 6, for their first-ever visit.
"I love them," McDonald said.
The Clydesdales will be in Stark County through Aug. 5. It is free to see them at the Kent State campus.
Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @cgoshayREP
Where to see the Budweiser Clydesdales in Stark County
The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales are visiting Canton as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Here's where you can see them:
Today: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus (located behind the Recreation and Wellness Center. One horse will make an appearance from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kishman's IGA Minerva, 202 E. High St., Minerva.
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus. One horse will make an appearance from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Erie Street Pub, 2700 Erie St. S, Massillon.
Friday: 5 p.m. the Clydesdales will be hitched at Kent State University's Stark campus prior to the balloon launch for the Balloon Classic.
Saturday: 5 p.m. the Clydesdales will be hitched at Kent State University's Stark campus prior to the balloon launch for the Balloon Classic.
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus. One horse will make an appearance from 1 to 3 p.m. at Buehler's Fresh Foods, 7138 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township.
Monday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus. One horse will make an appearance from 5 to 7 p.m. at John's Bar & Grille, 2658 Easton St. NE, Plain Township.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark Campus. One horse will make an appearance from 5 to 7 p.m. at Loby's Bar & Grille, 4736 Hills & Dales Road NW, Jackson Township.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus. Some of the horses will appear in "full hitch" from 3 to 5 p.m. at Meijer, 4934 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township.
Aug. 3: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus. One horse will make an appearance from 3 to 5 p.m. at Buehler's Fresh Foods, 3000 Wooster Ave., Dover.
Aug. 4: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus. The Clydesdales will make full hitch deliveries from 1 to 3 p.m. in downtown Canton.
Aug. 5: The Clydesdales will participate in full hitch in the Canton Repository Grand Parade, which begins at 8 a.m. in downtown Canton. They will be on display from noon to 7 p.m. at Kent State University's Stark campus.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Budweiser Clydesdales visit Canton for Pro Football Hall of Fame events
