The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are set to visit Margate on Thursday, August 15th. The visit, organized by the Margate Business Association, will include a meet-and-greet and a parade around town.
The Clydesdales have been the brand ambassadors for Budweiser since 1933 and are a symbol of the company's quality and tradition. The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed to the iconic red Budweiser beer wagon on the beach block of Cedar Grove Avenue in front of the Island House condominium building. The public is invited to witness this "painstakingly delicate process" between 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Following the harnessing, the Clydesdales will parade around a small circuit on the streets of Margate from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The route will take them south towards Longport, turning right onto Washington Avenue, proceeding to Ventnor Avenue, and making another right turn. The Clydesdales will stop for photos in front of the Historical Society building on Washington Ave. and around the corner in front of fire station #1 on Ventnor Ave. They will then make their way down Ventnor Ave. towards the parkway, turn right on Cedar Grove Ave., and head back towards the beach block, where they will be unharnessed at the completion of their appearance.
The Clydesdales chosen for the Budweiser hitch must meet specific criteria. They must be at least three years old, stand approximately 18 hands – or 6 feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, 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 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay, and 30 gallons of water per day.
This appearance is one of several made annually by the Clydesdales, who appear in several places stretching from coast to coast. The Margate visit promises to be a memorable event for the local community and visitors alike.