The Budweiser Clydesdales’ Grand March Through Downtown Lafayette
On a golden afternoon that seemed tailor-made for celebration, the clatter of hooves and the rhythmic creak of leather harnesses signaled a rare and majestic spectacle—the Budweiser Clydesdales making their ceremonial march through downtown Lafayette. For many in the community, it was more than a parade; it was a living symbol of tradition, strength, and Americana trotting straight down Main Street.
A Tradition on Hooves
The Budweiser Clydesdales are no ordinary horses. Towering at over six feet tall and weighing upwards of 2,000 pounds, these regal draft horses have become an iconic part of American culture. Since their introduction in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition, the Clydesdales have been more than mascots for Anheuser-Busch—they’ve become moving monuments to history and heritage.
Their arrival in Lafayette, Louisiana, was part of a limited national tour, and the buzz began long before the first hoof struck the pavement. Posters appeared in windows, social media lit up with countdowns, and families planned their day around the rare opportunity to see the Clydesdales in person.
Preparing for the Parade
Downtown Lafayette was transformed in anticipation. Merchants along Jefferson and Vermilion Streets hung patriotic bunting from wrought-iron balconies. Local breweries and cafes set out special “Clydesdale Specials,” featuring Budweiser-themed menus and commemorative glassware. Children gathered with homemade signs, some decorated with glittering horseshoes and others bearing hand-scrawled messages like “We ❤️ the Clydesdales!”
The city coordinated closely with the Budweiser team to ensure everything ran smoothly. The logistics of such a visit are formidable. Each of the ten Clydesdales travels in a custom, temperature-controlled trailer. A professional team accompanies them to care for their every need, from grooming to feeding to exercise. The famous red beer wagon, which they pull with remarkable synchronicity, is transported separately and assembled on-site.
By noon, downtown streets were cordoned off. Police officers directed traffic as crowds lined the sidewalks five and six deep. A local brass band played classic American tunes near Parc Sans Souci, their lively renditions of “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” adding a festive soundtrack to the mounting excitement.
The Grand Arrival
Then, without pomp or preamble, the Clydesdales appeared.
Led by two handlers in crisp Budweiser uniforms and perched atop the gleaming red wagon, the team of eight Clydesdales stepped onto Jefferson Street with regal precision. Their massive hooves, adorned with polished silver shoes, made an audible echo on the asphalt. Each horse’s mane was braided with red and white ribbons, swaying gently with every step. The horses wore intricately tooled leather harnesses with brass fittings that gleamed in the late afternoon sun.
The Dalmatian, a traditional part of the Budweiser team since the 1950s, sat proudly atop the wagon beside the drivers. Tail wagging and ears perked, the dog surveyed the crowd like royalty. It was a heartwarming sight that brought nostalgic smiles to older onlookers and sparked delight in the eyes of children.
Cheers broke out along the parade route. Phones and cameras were held aloft. Grandparents lifted grandchildren onto their shoulders for a better view. Even the most composed adults found themselves clapping in time with the horses’ steady beat.
A Journey Through Lafayette’s Heart
The parade took the Clydesdales past some of Lafayette’s most treasured landmarks. They rolled by the old Lafayette Hardware Store, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and the Acadian Cultural Center, places steeped in regional history. Along the way, they paused occasionally for photo ops and to allow the crowd to admire them up close.
Volunteers walked alongside the wagon, handing out Budweiser souvenirs and information about the horses. At designated stops, handlers explained the legacy of the Clydesdales—the stringent selection criteria (a true Budweiser Clydesdale must be at least 18 hands tall, have a white blaze, and exhibit a gentle temperament), the daily routines, and the significance of their presence at major national events such as Super Bowl commercials and presidential inaugurations.
At each pause, the Clydesdales stood patiently, ears twitching at the ambient noise, occasionally tossing their heads or stomping a hoof in mild impatience. Their calm demeanor, even amid the cheering crowds, was a testament to the rigorous training and care they receive.
Community Response and Local Pride
For the people of Lafayette, the event was more than entertainment—it was a celebration of community.
“It’s not every day you see something like this,” said Maria Landry, a lifelong Lafayette resident who attended the parade with her three children. “These horses are part of American history. And to see them here, right in the middle of our town, makes you feel connected to something bigger.”
Local business owner Jean-Paul Broussard agreed. “This brought people out of their houses and into the streets. We’ve had folks come into the shop all day, talking about it, sharing memories of when they last saw the Clydesdales—or when their parents did.”
The economic impact was notable as well. Restaurants and bars reported a sharp increase in patrons, and souvenir vendors did brisk business. But beyond the commerce, it was the shared experience that stood out. For a few hours, Lafayette felt like a living postcard—vintage, charming, and proudly united.
Behind the Scenes
What the crowd didn’t see was just as impressive as what they did. Behind the scenes, a team of highly trained grooms worked around the clock to keep the Clydesdales in peak condition. Their manes were washed, their coats brushed until they gleamed, and their massive tack cleaned and polished with the care one might reserve for a museum exhibit.
Each Clydesdale consumes about 20 to 25 quarts of feed, 50 pounds of hay, and 30 gallons of water a day. Their handlers know each horse by name and temperament, monitoring them closely for any sign of stress or fatigue.
“Their wellbeing is our top priority,” explained one handler in an interview with a local station. “They’re athletes, and we treat them like the champions they are.”
A Lasting Impression
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the last echo of hooves faded down Congress Street, the crowd lingered. There was a palpable reluctance to let the moment end, as if to hold on to a slice of living Americana that had just paraded past.
The Clydesdales returned to their trailers, where they would be carefully unhitched, fed, and rested before moving on to their next stop. But their impact lingered in Lafayette.
Photos and videos flooded social media, accompanied by captions full of wonder and gratitude. Schools planned follow-up lessons about the Clydesdales, and local artists began sketching scenes from the parade. Even the mayor issued a statement calling the visit “a shining example of unity and tradition that brought joy to young and old alike.”
More Than Just a Parade
In an age when much of life feels digital, fast-paced, and disconnected, the Budweiser Clydesdales’ march through downtown Lafayette was a moment of timeless magic. It was slow, deliberate, real—crafted from muscle, heritage, and heart.
It wasn’t just a marketing event. It was an emotional and communal experience, a reminder that grandeur can come on four legs with feathered hooves, pulling a red beer wagon down streets lined with people who remember what it means to marvel.
As Lafayette returned to its regular rhythm, the memory of the Clydesdales lingered like the sweet echo of brass horns after a parade has passed. It was, simply put, a day the city won’t soon forget.
