World-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales return for 2022 Smoky Mountain Air Show
August 1, 2022

KNOXVILLE -- The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances in the area on September 10 and 11, including two at McGhee Tyson Airport in conjunction with the Smoky Mountain Air Show, presented by DENSO.

The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon to kick off the festivities both mornings of the Smoky Mountain Air Show. Parking areas will open at 7 a.m. and the event gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive when the parking areas open in order to avoid traffic and ensure they do not miss any of the festivities, including the opportunity to see the Budweiser Clydesdales.

“The Smoky Mountain Air Show would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors like Eagle Distributing,” said Patrick Wilson, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. “We are expecting a full day of air show entertainment that will kick off with the world-renowned Clydesdales as part of our opening ceremonies. From jets streaking across the sky to the impressive Clydesdales performing on the ground below, the Smoky Mountain Air Show will have something for everyone.”

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Knoxville is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

For more information about the Smoky Mountain Air Show, including parking, tickets and more, visit smokymountainairshow.com.