By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The sound of hooves and the echoed across the Kansas State Fairgrounds on Wednesday afternoon as the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales made their return to Hutchinson.
Fairgoers lined the parade route, phones in hand, several rows deep in some locations, hoping to get an up-close look as the eight-horse hitch pulled the iconic red Budweiser wagon through the grounds.
The full hitch parade marked the Clydesdales' first appearance at the Kansas State Fair in a decade and quickly became one of the fair's biggest attractions.
“They're so much bigger than I thought they would be,” Wichita resident Jeremiah Bennett said. “You see them in commercials on TV, but don't really think about seeing them in person, so it's really cool to see them here at the fair.”
The excitement began well before the hitch rolled out.
Fairgoers gathered at the stables beginning around 3 p.m. to watch handlers prepare the horses and harness the eight-horse team to the wagon. An hour later, the hitch departed the staging area for its trip around the fairgrounds.
The Clydesdales were joined by another familiar face associated with Budweiser's famous hitch, a Dalmatian riding atop the wagon next to the handlers.
For some in attendance, Wednesday provided their first opportunity to see the horses in person. Others had seen the Clydesdales before, but never expected to find them at the Kansas State Fair.
“I've had a chance to actually see them in St. Louis at their farm, but I never thought I'd get to see them here in Kansas,” said Caleb Jansen of Fort Scott.
City Beverage Co., the local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in the Salt City, sponsored the Clydesdales' return to Hutchinson.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Kansas State Fair to bring these ultimate American icons back to South Central Kansas,” Kelsey Pedigo of City Beverage Co. said. “The excitement across our community has been building for weeks, and we are thrilled to welcome everyone out today to witness the magic of the full hitch live in action.”
Johnny Cronney with Anheuser-Busch was also on hand for Wednesday's appearance.
The Clydesdales have been associated with Budweiser for more than 90 years. They made their first public appearance in 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch III presented their father with a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to celebrate the end of Prohibition. The horses have since become one of the most recognizable symbols associated with the Budweiser brand, appearing in parades, major sporting events and television commercials.
Wednesday's parade gave Kansas fairgoers a chance to experience that tradition from only a few feet away.
As the hitch made its way through the grounds, spectators crowded both sides of the route, taking photos and videos while the towering horses passed by. Children perched on shoulders for a better view, while others followed portions of the route to catch another glimpse.
The Clydesdales will remain available for public viewing at the fairgrounds stables from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during their scheduled stay at the Kansas State Fair.
