By Lily Munnik
The rhythmic clank of steel horseshoes echoed down Cedar Falls Main Street Thursday evening as eight gentle giants made their way through downtown, kicking off the 50th Sturgis Falls celebration with a display that drew in spectators of all ages.
On a warm June 25 evening, families lined sidewalks hours in advance, filling folding chairs, crowding public benches and spilling onto restaurant patios for a glimpse of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales. Cameras and phones were lifted as high as the arms could reach as the horses passed, stopping frequently so people could snap photos and admire one of America’s most recognizable teams of horses.
The Clydesdales arrived in Cedar Falls as part of the 150th anniversary celebration of Budweiser and were slated to lead Saturday’s Sturgis Falls Parade as grand marshals.
Each horse stands about 6 feet tall and weighs about 2,000 pounds. But their impressive size is only part of what earns them a place on the Budweiser team. Every horse must meet strict standards for height, coloring and affable temperament, as their job entails meeting millions of fans each year.
The Clydesdale breed traces its origin to the early 19th century in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where farmers needed powerful workhorses capable of handling arduous agricultural work. A local landowner imported six Great Flemish Horses for breeding, laying the foundation for what became the Clydesdale breed.
The Budweiser Clydesdales became forever linked with Anheuser-Busch in 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch III presented their father with a hitch of Clydesdales to celebrate the brewing of the company’s first post-Prohibition beer in St. Louis. More than 90 years later, the horses remain one of the nation’s most recognizable advertising symbols.
Pulled by the eight-horse hitch, the historic red Budweiser wagon carried two experienced drivers, a Dalmatian riding along proudly and several cases of Budweiser beer destined for delivery to local Main Street establishments. Together, the horses and wagon weigh more than 12 tons, requiring constant communication and precision from the drivers as they guide the team through downtown.
For many spectators, the visit brought back memories of the Clydesdales’ previous appearance in Cedar Falls a decade ago.
Bruce and Peggy Merfeld of Cedar Falls were among those waiting along Main Street to catch a glimpse of the majestic horses. Bruce, who has worked at Viking Pump for 38 years, recalled seeing the horses in both Cedar Falls and St. Louis.
“Last time they were here, they did the same thing on Main Street,” said Bruce. “They’re amazing animals that you don’t get to see every day. This is the way the world used to run.”
Earlier Thursday, hundreds visited the temporary stables at Gateway Park, where the horses were available for public viewing. Children and even a few adults clutched plush Clydesdales and Dalmatian stuffed animals while reminiscing about earlier visits.
Ron Zulke, a Cedar Falls resident since 2006, purchased a stuffed horse to keep the memory of the Clydesdales’ last appearance.
“They’re wonderful and huge,” said Zulke. “I absolutely loved it the first time they came.”
Five-year-olds Evalyn and Blare carefully pointed out the feathering around the horses’ hooves after visiting the stables. Evalyn chose a stuffed Clydesdale as a keepsake, while Blare proudly carried a plush version of Bud, the Dalmatian.
Asked what they enjoyed most about the temporary stable, Evalyn answered, “Watching the horses.”
“Mine was the dog,” said Blare.
Horse lovers from near and far came to see the Clydesdales march on Main Street to deliver Budweiser to downtown restaurants.
Among them were Kathy Meyer of La Porte City and her friend, Kristina Braveer of Hazleton.
“I’m a horse person, and I think they’re cool, so I made her come with me,” said Meyer.
Braveer enjoyed the experience and could even be considered a fan now.
“I had a great time, and I’d do it again tomorrow if I could,” she said.
Among those waiting outside the Oster Regent Theatre was Renee Denny of Clear Lake, a 1984 UNI graduate. After spending part of the afternoon learning about the horses at Gateway Park, she eagerly waited to see them march through downtown.
“They’re so majestic and beautiful it almost makes you cry,” said Denny. “It’s a great day.”