By SALINA POST
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Salina Wednesday thanks to Pestinger Distributing!
Pestinger Distributing of Salina and Colby recently won the Anheuser-Busch Esteemed Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award. Mike Riemann, Pestinger Distributing's general manager, told Salina Post that "in order to achieve Ambassador status and earn the Big Jake Award, which is the highest company honor, a wholesaler must score gold proficiency three times in a five-year period. The Ambassador of Excellence award is given annually to distributors nationwide who perform at the highest level of sales execution, customer service, community involvement, environmental consciousness and the endorsement and engagement of responsible drinking programs."
Riemann said that currently, there are only 13 active Ambassadors in the nation out of more than 500 wholesalers.
One of the perks of winning the award is a local visit from the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Riemann said that the Clydesdale team will be hitching up at Chuck's Bar, 600 N. Santa Fe Avenue, at 5 p.m. Wednesday. They are scheduled to start their trek south on Santa Fe Avenue at 6 p.m., stopping along the way to deliver beer and photo opportunities at some of Pestinger Distribution's Santa Fe Avenue customers. The Clydesdale team is scheduled to conclude it's trip at The Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Rieman said.
About the Budweiser Clydesdales
The following information about the Budweiser Clydesdales is courtesy the Pestinger Distributing Facebook page.
●The Clydesdale breed is about 200 years old, having originated along the banks of the River Clyde, in Scotland, in the early 19th century.
●The Budweiser Clydesdales and their red, white, and gold beer wagon, were first introduced to the public on April 7, 1933, as part of a surprise presentation brewers August Anheuser Busch, Jr. and brother Adolphus Busch made to their father to celebrate the end of Prohibition.
●All Budweiser Clydesdales are geldings and at least 4 years old.
●Size requirements: must be at least 18 hands (6 feet) high and weight between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds
●On average, each Budweiser Clydesdale consumes as much as 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals, and vitamins, 50 to 60 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.
●The harness and collar that each Budweiser Clydesdale wears weighs about 130 pounds.
●The combined weight of the horses, gear, drivers, and fully-loaded wagon is about 12 tons.