The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Johnson City on Dec. 5 to help ring in Little Chicago’s 150th birthday.
The horses started their visit with an appearance in Erwin on Dec. 4, and the Clydesdales can be seen at the Bristol Holiday Parade on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, the historic draft horse team will walk the parade route alongside Johnson City citizens and organizations.
According to the Blue Plum Organization, which is hosting the event, the parade staging area will be in ETSU parking lot 9 at 8:30 a.m. The route starts on West Walnut Street and turns left onto Buffalo street. Once downtown, the route turns right onto East Main Street under the Clydesdales billboard that announced the visit. Parade walkers and riders will then turn right onto Colonial Way and down East State of Franklin until it reaches the breakdown area at the Old Burley Lot on the Corner of East State of Franklin and Legion Street.
The Clydesdales won’t be the only icon at the parade, either. An appearance by Santa is rumored by the end of the parade, so make sure to stick around until the end.
According to Budweiser’s website, the original 12 Budweiser Clydesdales were a gift to celebrate the end of Prohibition. August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch gifted the team to their father on April 7, 1933, to signify the end of one of the most harrowing periods in the company’s career.
After the Clydesdales creation they quickly became an American icon, appearing in parades and events across the nation. The Clydesdales have even appeared at two separate presidential inaugurations, Harry Truman’s in 1949 and Bill Clinton’s in 1993.
If you prefer dogs over horses, Budweiser will also have the team’s Dalmatian mascot alongside the driver. Originally introduced in 1950, the Dalmatian has ridden with the horse team and warmed America’s hearts at every appearance.
For more information regarding the parade’s route, rules and participation, visit jcchristmasparade.org
