Budweiser Clydesdales coming to La Crosse’s Big River Rally

Some of the world’s most famous horses are coming to La Crosse next month.  

The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to La Crosse as part of the Big River Rally on Saturday, June 28.  

This includes a procession in the downtown area at 2 p.m. Details on the procession are pending. 

It is one of three traveling teams that appear across the county every year.  

The Budweiser Clydesdales have been a symbol of Anheuser-Busch since 1933, when they were hitched up to the wagon carrying the first beer from the St. Louis brewery after Prohibition.  

Some other fun facts about the Clydesdales: 

• Every Budweiser Clydesdale has to meet height and weight requirements-stand 72 inches tall at the shoulder when fully mature and weight between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.  
• Each one must be a gelding at least four years old. 
• Every one has a bay coat, four white stocking feet, a white blaze, and a black mane and tail. 
• Eat a lot — every day, each horse eats between 1-6 pounds of whole grains, minerals and vitamins, plus 50-60 pounds of hay along with 30 gallons of water.  

The Big River Rally happens June 27-28 at the Oktoberfest Grounds.  

The motorcycle rally features two days of concerts, featuring Texas Hippie Coalition and Drowning Pool.

Along with that, there will be both a stunt show and a bike show, plus live music, food, drinks and two rides — one along the Mississippi River and the other for a tour at S&S Cycle in Viola.  

The Mississippi ride is hosted by the Wisconsin American Legion, while the Viola route will be hosted by WKTY sports legend Bill “The Big Unit” Michaels.

There’s also pancake breakfast on Saturday morning that benefits local veterans’ organizations.