Budweiser Clydesdales Join Fall Foliage Lineup
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"The Budweiser Clydesdales are one of the world's most recognizable symbols and we are proud to host them in North Adams for the Fall Foliage Festivities," said Tom Leveque, general manager of Girardi Distributors LLC in Athol/Pittsfield.
The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon to travel the entire parade route. Additionally, the hitch will be accompanied by a Dalmatian, which in the early days of brewing, were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The Budweiser Clydesdales' last appearance in North Adams was in 2005 for the 50th anniversary parade (seen in the file photo above).
The theme for the 54th parade is "Taste of the Berkshires," a tribute to the unique and diverse flavors found within Northern Berkshire County.
The Clydesdales will be arriving to Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art on Monday, Sept. 28, and will be guests in the museum's main parking lot for the days leading up to the parade.
These majestic animals will be available for public viewing on Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, from 9 to 3, and Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 to 6.
"We are thrilled to have the Budweiser Clydesdales back in North Berkshire for this year's parade," said Rod Bunt, Fall Foliage Festival Parade director. "Their appearance is a perfect fit with the theme with 'Taste of the Berkshires,' although having these beautiful animals in town at any time of year would draw a lot of people."
(For horse enthusiasts who can't wait until September to see some equines, Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions will appear at Joe Wolfe Field on Aug. 28 to 30 as fundraiser for the North Adams Public Library. More information here.)
The 54th Fall Foliage Parade is coordinated by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Fall Foliage Week will kick off this year with the 3rd annual Fall Foliage Bed Race on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Although the parade is still months away, the organizational effort is already strong, said Bunt. Over the next few weeks, parade committee members will coordinate an array of marching bands, floats, banners and other marching units in preparation for this monumental event. With so many tasks ahead, the committee welcomes volunteers to help with the parade effort.
This is a perfect opportunity to bring together your group and show your support for this annual event. For more information on the parade or to volunteer, call Bunt at 413-664-6180, Christine Hoyt at 413-499-4000, Ext. 26, or visit www.fallfoliageparade.com.
