The Clydesdales are coming; Ludington Beverage celebrates anniversary

The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to the area in celebration of Ludington Beverage’s 75^th anniversary as a Budweiser distributor.

Much of the Clydesdales’ visit will coincide with next week’s Pentwater Homecoming festivities beginning Wednesday with a march through downtown and display at the Village Green from 5 to 7 p.m. During that time the public will have the opportunity to take photos and see the horses.

This is the fourth time the Clydesdales have been in the area. The first year was in 1986 when they were here for the Scottville Harvest Festival. Because of torrential rains, they were not able to be in the parade. The town rallied and were able to get them back the following year.

“The people in St. Louis said they had never seen anything like it,” Budde Reed, president of Ludington Beverage said. “The business community organized a postcard writing campaign by the local school children.”

The last time the horses were here was in December 2004 when they were in the Manistee Victorian Sleighbell and Ludington Christmas parades.

Ludington Beverage is currently in its fourth generation. It was started in 1933 by Leo “Peck” and Vera Reed. In 1937 it started distributing Budweiser beer. Their son, Milan “Bud” and his wife, Dorothy, then came involved with the business in the late ’40s.

“It’s very special to know that my mom and dad worked side by side for 45 years,” Budde said. “My dad drove truck for 12 years before becoming involved with management. Now, my nephew, Willie, is involved with the business as our fourth generation.” Willie is the son of Todd and Debbie Reed.

“It’s pretty nifty that we’ve kept it alive and here in Ludington. That’s our intent. We are a family business and very proud that we intend to stay that way. We are also proud that our employees are like family to us and that they are all proud to be in this community as well.”

The highlight of the Clydesdale visit will be when they are featured in the Pentwater Homecoming parade Saturday, Aug. 11. The parade starts at 4 p.m.

Schedule:

Wednesday, Aug. 8: March through downtown Pentwater and display at Village Green. 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 9: Full hitch showing at Little River Casino. 4 to 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 10: Full hitch and march through Ludington Stearns Park. 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 11: Pentwater Homecoming Parade. 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 12: Public showing of horses at Mason County Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Story by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief