The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales is the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933,

 Nacogdoches, Texas - The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances in the area during the week of December 2, 2009, including one downtown during the Lighted Christmas Parade in conjunction with The Nine Flags Festival sponsored by Commercial Bank of Texas, Mike Perry Motor Company, Regions, and Wal-Mart.

The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon during the Christmas Parade on December 5, 2009 from approximately 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., followed by a dazzling fireworks display downtown.

On Friday, December 4 and Sunday December 6, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on both days, area residents will be treated with a “Stable Showing” at Barn #1 of the Nacogdoches County Exposition Center.  This activity is free to the public.

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Nacogdoches is one of 300 made annually by the five traveling hitches.  This year the Clydesdales come on behalf of R&K Distributors, who also sponsors the Nine Flags Festival’s Jingle Bell Run.  A special thanks goes out to R&K for bringing the Clydesdales to Nacogdoches and being a great community partner.  

Canadians of Scottish decent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800s.  Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands -or six feet-at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white stockings, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail.  A gentle temperament is very important, as hitch horses often meet millions of people each year.

A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.  Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian dog.  In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

Budweiser Clydesdale traveling hitches are based in St. Louis, MO.; Menifee, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; and Merrimack, NH.  The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the following Anheuser-Busch breweries:  St. Louis, MO; Merrimack, NH; and Ft. Collins, CO.  Budweiser Clydesdales can also be viewed at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, MO, and at the following Anheuser-Busch Theme Parks:  Busch Gardens Tampa, FL; Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA; Sea World San Diego, CA; Sea World Orlando, FL; and Sea World San Antonio, TX.

For further information about the Clydesdales, please contact Carla Coffee at 936-569-8243.  For information about the Nine Flags Festival, call 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN or visit www.nineflagsfestival.com.