This weekend, downtown Muskegon will be treated to the sight of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales parading down Western Avenue as part of a series of appearances in West Michigan. These iconic horses, renowned for their stature and affiliation with Budweiser, are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Tyler Sales Company Inc., a local beer distributor. According to WOODTV, the parade will commence at 4 p.m. on Friday, followed by a showcasing of the Clydesdales outside Hackley Park until 6 p.m.
The anniversary event not only heralds nearly a century of business for the Tyler Sales Company but also marks an intersection of two legacies—the company's and the Clydesdales', the latter of which date back to a celebration of prohibition's repeal 90 years ago. As detailed by WOODTV, this appearance is part of a storied tradition where August Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch III presented their father with a six-horse Clydesdale hitch after prohibition was lifted, a move that proved to be marketing gold.
In addition to Muskegon, the Budweiser Clydesdales will continue their trot to Grand Haven for the Coast Guard Festival's Grand Parade on August 3. Here, the majestic horses will draw the famous bright red beer wagon through the crowds gathered for the festival's highlight parade, starting at 11:45 a.m. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is an annual celebration that begins July 26 and runs through August 4, promising a variety of attractions for attendees, according to WZZM13.
While the Clydesdales are regular features at events across the nation, not just every horse can earn the prestigious title of being a Budweiser Clydesdale. The criteria are strict—a gelding at least four years old, standing 72 inches at the shoulder, weighing between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, and adorned with a bay coat, a blaze of white on the face, white legs, and a black mane and tail, as detailed by WZZM13. Each hitch is also accompanied by a Dalmatian, the breed once used to guard the horses and the beer wagons they pulled.
The Clydesdales' presence at the fair and other local events offers the community a chance to interact with these gentle giants. Fairgoers have opportunities to take photos and speak with Clydesdale handlers. KXNET quoted Andrew Lacrosse of the Budweiser West Coast Hitch, "We physically won't haul anybody, it's not like a ride, so we just follow the parade through the grounds here". His statement underscores the non-interactive but visually impressive role these horses play in parades and shows.
