CANTON FIRST FRIDAY INFO FLYER

            The Clydesdales are coming to Canton, Ohio.  They’re bringing their state-of-the art trailers, their expertly trained handlers, their 1903 Studebaker beer wagon and their unmistakable beauty and charm to the downtown arts celebration known as First Friday, on Friday, June 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the downtown Canton Arts District.

            Rock stars of the equestrian world; the Budweiser Clydesdales are transported in style and cause a sensation of delight wherever they travel.  This is more than 100,000 miles a year, throughout the United States and away from their home in St. Louis, Missouri.    Their June 5 stop in Canton, Ohio is made possible through the Downtown Special Improvement District and ArtsinStark, the county arts council.   

            With origins in Scotland, it was the breed’s hauling power and confident style that attracted North Americans to the Clydesdale.  In fact, in the early days of brewing, it was said that a brewer’s success was directly related to how far his draft horses could pull a load in one day.  Thus, the Clydesdales became the natural icon for the “king of beers.”

            But not every Clydesdale can make the cut.

            To qualify for the world-famous, eight-horse hitch, a Budweiser Clydesdale must stand 18 hands high (about 6 feet) at the shoulder when fully mature, and weight approximately 2,000 pounds.  They must be geldings, bay in color, have four white stockings and a blaze of white on the face, as well as a black mane and tail.  A gentle temperament also is important, as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.  And, they often have a short name, like Duke, Captain, Mark.  And of course, Bud.

            The Budweiser Clydesdales and their own mascot Dalmatian will be travel through the Arts District delivering kegs to downtown restaurants beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Following that from 6:30-8:00 p.m., they will be hitched to their wagon in the Kresge green space, at the corner of Market Avenue North and Fourth Street N for photos with the public and posing for a live painting demonstration by Sue Steiner of White Horse Studio (http://www.suesteiner.com/).  Steiner’s studio at Second April Galerie (324 Cleveland Ave NW) will feature equine art this month.   Artist Kelli Swan, whose work was featured as a limited edition print in the official 2009 Kentucky Derby celebration, will show her graphite equine artworks at the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild (338 4th St. NW, Canton).  See more at http://www.pencilplace.com/

Clydesdale Operations

St. Louis, MO  63118