O'Malley Beverage is bringing the World Famous Clydesdales to St. Joseph to participate in this year's Apple Blossom Parade.

The Budweiser Clydesdales have been the symbol for Anheuser-Busch for more than 75 years and were introduced on April 7, 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition.

The horses themselves must be a gelding, at least 4 years of age and stand 72 inches at the shoulder at maturity, weigh between 1,800-2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four stocking white feet, a white blaze and black mane and tail.

A Dalmatian will ride atop the wagon alongside the driver. The Dalmatians have been traveling with the horses since the 1950s.

"We are so excited that O'Malley Beverage is bringing the Budweiser Clydesdales to the parade. These horses are awesome." Apple Blossom Executive Director Michelle Wolfe said.

Apple Blossom President Ken Rosenauer recalled that his brother Ron had dreamed of having the Clydesdales in the Apple Blossom for many years. However, their appearance at the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May always coincided with the annual parade date. Ron Rosenauer was in charge of the parade for about 25 years until his death in January 2000.

The parade rolls down Frederick Avenue beginning at 9:30 a.m. on May 1. The theme this year is "Expanding St. Joe Horizons…from Ponies to Planes."

All parade entries are encouraged to reflect in their entries the theme for this year's Apple Blossom Parade.

For additional information and entry forms, please go online to www.appleblossomparade.com or contact Wolfe at 816-261-0422.