“Seeing the joy on people’s faces is really rewarding and really awesome to be a part of,” one of the handlers said of the Clydesdales’ surprise appearance
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NEED TO KNOW
- The Budweiser Clydesdales have been trotting through Kentucky while handing out cases of beer and scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders
- “They rolled through with the horses and the carriage and actually delivered us a case of Budweiser,” a local bar manager said after eight horses lined up on the street
- The surprise appearances are in celebration of Budweiser’s 150th birthday and its 16-year partnership with Folds of Honor
The Budweiser Clydesdales are making their rounds in Kentucky with plenty of beer to go around.
On Friday, June 5, eight Clydesdale horses made an appearance in downtown Lexington to deliver a case of Budweiser beer to several bars — including Two Fisted Willie's, Salooniversity and Big Daddy Liquors.
“They rolled through with the horses and the carriage and actually delivered us a case of Budweiser,” David Howard, the general manager of Salooniversity, told the Lexington Herald Leader. “It was really cool.”
While their generosity was much appreciated, the horses didn't stop there. To celebrate Budweiser's 150th birthday and its 16-year partnership with Folds of Honor — a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships to the spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled military service members and first responders — the horses also handed out a few life-changing scholarships.
“Beginning this summer, Budweiser and the Budweiser Clydesdales will bring the mission of Folds of Honor directly to communities nationwide, showing up at local events, state fairs, and sporting events to celebrate service, spark local pride, and shine a spotlight on the impact of Folds of Honor," a news release read, per the Lexington Herald Leader.
While he was not there to witness the horses taking laps in front of the crowded bars and stores in downtown Lexington, Matthew McGee was one of the lucky people to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the organization.
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The University of Kentucky graduate's father, Johnny McGee, served in the U.S. Navy for over two decades, during which he worked in various technician roles before becoming a command master chief, per the outlet. He was last stationed in Memphis until he became disabled in the line of duty.
According to WTVQ, the horses also made an appearance at Meijer in Richmond, a Liquor Barn in Danville and a few other stops across the state.
“Seeing the joy on people's faces is really rewarding and really awesome to be a part of,” Clydesdale handler Brady Janssen told Fox 56 News during one of the horses' surprise appearances. “It's especially special this year with Budweiser's 150th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the country.”
Over the years, Budweiser has helped the nonprofit raise $33 million in scholarships for military families, according to the brand's website. They wrote, “Because service never stops, neither do we.”
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