The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Margate.
The symbols of Anheuser-Busch since 1933 will be harnessed and hitched to a glistening red Budweiser beer wagon on the beach block of Cedar Grove Avenue in front of the Island House condominium building from 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 15.
The public is invited to witness this painstakingly delicate process before the horses make their way around a small circuit on the streets of Margate from 3 to 4 p.m.
The hitch will travel south toward Longport, and turn right onto Washington Avenue, proceed to Ventnor Avenue and make another right turn.
The hitch will stop for photos in front of the Historic City Hall on Washington Avenue and around the corner in front of Fire Station #1 on Ventnor Avenue.
They will then make their way down Ventnor Avenue, turning right on Cedar Grove Avenue and head back toward the beach block.
One back to at their start, they will be unharnessed.
The Clydesdales’ appearance in Margate is one of several made by traveling hitches appearing in select areas from coast to coast. The Clydesales performed this year at the Tournament of Roses Parade, St. Louis Cardinals opening day, and Daytona Beach Bike Week.
Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant, muscular draft horses bred for hauling or plowing farms are used primarily for breeding and shows like the one coming to Margate.
Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least 3 years old, stand approximately 18 hands – or 6 feet – at the shoulder and weigh an average of 2,000 pounds. They must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail.
A single Clydesdale will consume as much as 20 to 25 quarts of feed, 40 to 50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.
Residents and visitors are invited to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Specific weather conditions must be met for the safety of the Clydesdales and their ability to appear.
