Budweiser Clydesdales bring American tradition to Bellville’s historic feed mill

BELLVILLE — History met history Friday night when the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales paraded through Bellville.

The eight-horse hitch pulling a red Budweiser beer wagon joined the 175th Bellville Street Fair in a pairing that felt made for perfect small-town Americana, according to Donnie Clark, owner of Elzy Milling and Trade.

This event brought one of America’s most iconic symbols to Ohio’s oldest continuously operated feed mill, he said.

“This is a timeless branding moment,” Clark said. “Ohio’s oldest agricultural street fair, the state’s oldest continuously operated feed mill and the iconic Clydesdale team — it all comes together here in Bellville.”

The idea sparked when Mansfield Distributing General Manager Justin Berry and Lisa Duckworth, programs and event manager of Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, met to brainstorm where they could host the full-hitch Budweiser Clydesdales.

Clark said he happened to walk by at just the right time, jumping into the conversation and pitching for Ohio’s oldest continuously operated feed mill to be the host.

“Hosting them at a feed mill just feels right,” Clark said. “Our customers were excited, and we couldn’t wait to see the reaction.”

Clydesdales parade through Bellville

Unlike Mansfield’s recent appearance that featured just one Clydesdale, Bellville was able to get the full hitch.

American beer visits the American farmer in the heart of an All-American small town is how Clark described the event.

The Clydesdales began their hitching ceremony outside Elzy Milling and Trade before trotting through town.

Their route took them to Bellville Elementary School, The River Rock and right in the heart of the fair. At each stop fairgoers could take pictures and admire the Clydesdales.

After completing the parade route, the Clydesdales made their way back to Elzy Milling and Trade for the unhitching ceremony.

Guests crowded the area as they watched, filmed and took photos during the unhitching ceremony, which lasted around 30 minutes.

Before the event began, Clark said, the eyes of Ohio would be on Bellville Friday afternoon.

Clark believes the sight of the Clydesdales in front of a pre-Civil War era feed mill will stick with Budweiser long after the fair.

“Once Budweiser sees how incredible the Clydesdale team looks in front of a renowned, pre-Civil War era feed mill, I predict they’ll call Elzy Milling and Trade for the next Super Bowl commercial,” he said.

Clydesdales carry decades of tradition

Since 1933, Anheuser-Busch has owned the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. To this day, the Budweiser Clydesdales continue tradition and make lasting memories, appearing at hundreds of events nationwide each year.

A team of handlers and groomers travel with the Clydesdales for anywhere from eight to 10 months.

For the drivers, it requires expertise to join the team. The lines they hold can gain more than 75 pounds of tension, due to the weight of the lines and the horses pulling.

The Clydesdales will make an appearance at the Ashland County Fair on Sunday, Sept. 14.

(Pictures from the Budweiser Clydesdales at the 175th Bellville Street Fair. Photo Credit: Hannah Martin)