By Steffen Klenk
On a sweltering hot Thursday afternoon, thousands lined the streets along Ventnor and Atlantic avenues in Margate to catch a glimpse of the Budweiser Clydesdales, as they made a rare special appearance in the seaside town on Aug. 15. The excitement began shortly before 2 p.m., when three 50-foot tractor trailers, and their precious cargo, arrived along Cedar Grove Avenue. Onlookers caught a rare glimpse of the iconic horses as they were guided out of the trailers and ready to be harnessed, greeted to the amazement and smiles of many.
Shortly thereafter, the eight-horse hitch began its journey, guided by two hitch drivers and a Dalmatian. The Clydesdales made a short circuit down Atlantic Avenue, stopping in front of Lucy the Elephant, for a special presentation honoring a local Folds of Honor recipient. For nearly 15 years, Budweiser has partnered with the non-profit organization in supporting scholarships for military and first responder families. To date, more than 5,000 scholarships have been awarded to students nationwide.
Following the presentation, the hitch made its way to the Margate Historical Society Museum along Washington Avenue, along the Margate City Fire Department, and the corner of Ventnor and Decatur avenues. Rich Grabowski, regional sales manager for Anheuser-Busch, spoke about the occasion. “We had estimated around 5,000 people, and probably an extra 2,000 when they were hitching up the horses.”
Mayor Michael Collins credited the city’s police and fire departments for coordinating the event. “They are why this event happened, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
The original Budweiser Clydesdales were owned by Canadian brewery owner Patrick Shea and were purchased by the sons of Anheuser-Busch, August A. Busch, Sr., to celebrate the repeal of prohibition. Throughout the decades, the horse-drawn beer wagon has made special stops at countless events and landmarks, from the Empire State Building to Washington, D.C., state fairs and special celebrations, even renowned Super Bowl commercials.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
