The iconic Clydesdales and their Dalmatian mascot went on parade Thursday at the fair – and will perform again this weekend – and also shared their spotlight with Folds of Honor, an organization that funds scholarships to fallen heroes of the military and first responders

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

The hitching takes about 45 minutes. 

One by one, these 2,000-pound gentle giants were backed into position, hooked up, and ready to perform.

Rico and Garfield went first, the biggest and strongest of the eight, placed closest to the wagon. They will pull most of the weight.

Then came Robinson and Quake. Then Lad and Luiz. Finally, Ozzy and Diesel, the most athletic, and, dare we say, the most photogenic as the lead horses.

The two drivers made their way to their seats, and King the Dalmatian jumped up to his lofty position. 

Then it was time for a magical experience at the Clark County Fair on Thursday.

The Budweiser Clydesdales went on parade.

From their stalls at the fairgrounds, the hitch-and-wagon made a sharp left turn to get on the midway and they were greeted by throngs of fairgoers, ready to witness Americana.

This was the first time the Budweiser Clydesdales performed at the Clark County Fair.

Oh, and if you did not catch the show Thursday, there is another opportunity Saturday in Vancouver and one more parade at the Clark County Fair on Sunday. (See below for more information.)

“It is very rewarding,” said Josie Points of Illinois, describing her job as a Clydesdale Handler. 

She and her colleagues travel the country — the world even — with the horses 300 days a year. 

“You see a bunch of new people and bring these horses to the people and keep up the American heritage and Budweiser,” Points said.

The Clydesdales work not only as a brand for Anheuser-Busch, they also are partners with Folds of Honor, a national nonprofit organization that grants scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled heroes — military or first responders.

“Who is going to take care of the rest of the family?” asks Folds of Honor, according to Bob Fishbeck, director of strategic partnerships with the organization. 

He said Folds of Honor gives the gift of education for children and spouses of those who sacrificed so much.

Folds of Honor was established in 2007. Anheuser-Busch — and the Budweiser Clydesdales — joined the effort in 2010.

“They are the gentle giants,” Fishbeck said, looking at the horses as they were being hitched for Thursday’s parade. “They understand their role. They’re just beautiful. They bring out family and friends to enjoy.”

Folds of Honor then gets to share its message.

“That’s the platform that Budweiser offers us. ‘The Budweiser Clydesdales are here. Come take pictures, but let’s also talk about the need that is out there for first responder families and military families. Make a difference,’” Fishbeck said.

Since 2010, Anheuser-Busch has donated $33 million and has been responsible for 6,600 scholarships, Fishbeck said. In total, Folds of Honor has granted 62,000 scholarships, a $290 million impact. That includes more than 1,000 scholarships in Washington and Oregon.

On Thursday, the Clydesdales’ parade down the midway took about an hour. It is not a very long route. It’s just that the Clydesdales make a couple of stops along the way. This allows their adoring fans to get closer, to take photos, to marvel at their beauty.

Points said people get emotional when they are around the Clydesdales. Many people share their memories with the handlers.

“I had a guy come through the aisle yesterday,” Points said of the stalls that are hosting the Clydesdales this week at the fairgrounds. “He started crying because the last time he saw them was with his dad, and his dad had just passed.”

During the third and final stop along the parade route Thursday, Folds of Honor took the opportunity to talk about its vision. During a brief ceremony, Maletis Beverage of Vancouver donated $10,000 to the organization.

Fishbeck said Thursday was the perfect day to talk about the organization. It was, after all, National Purple Heart Day.

A few minutes later, the Clydesdales were done for the day, and resting to prepare for the rest of the week in the region.

On Friday, Aug. 8, the schedule called for a parade in Beaverton, Ore, at 1 p.m. for the First Responder Appreciation Day at the Beaverton Town Square.

On Saturday, Aug. 9,, the Clydesdales are expected to perform at the Uptown Village Parade on Main Street in Vancouver. The schedule says 9 a.m. until noon.

On Sunday, Aug. 10, the Clydesdales will perform one more parade along the midway on the final day of the Clark County Fair. The gentle giants will be on parade again at the fairgrounds at 11 a.m.