Clydesdales To Trot Into Sebring

Race Week will include an appearance by the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

The public will have several opportunities to see the big, powerful horses in Sebring.

There will be a stable showing from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 and from 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at the Highlands County Fairgrounds, located at the corner of Highlands Avenue and Kenilworth Boulevard in Sebring.

There will be a showing from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 20 at Lakeshore Mall.

The horses will also be at Sebring International Raceway from 7 - 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21.

According to a press release from Budweiser, in 1933, shortly after the repeal of Prohibition, the Clydesdales became part of Anheuser-Busch. August A. Busch Jr. decided to present a hitch of the horses to his father to commemorate the first bottle of post-Prohibition beer brewed in St. Louis.

Standing about six feet at the shoulder when fully mature, the Clydesdales weigh about 2,000 pounds, the release said. They must be geldings, bay in color, have four white stockings and a blaze of white on the face as well as a black mane and tail.

Other Race Week Activities Are The Following:

• The 4th annual Hairpin Spin 2009: Will be held from noon until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the Four Points by Sheraton Sebring, Chateau Elan, Sebring International Raceway, on the Hairpin Turn.

There will be an Italian buffet, wine tasting, mimosas, gourmet desserts, "Spin to Win," thousands of prizes, including trips to privately owned getaways.

Autograph sessions with the race drivers will also be provided along with food and drink.

Cost is $25 per person, 10 Hairpin chips for $25.

To get tickets, call Lisa at 386-0505, or e-mail hairpinspin@Yahoo.com.

•Taste of the Race: Will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at the Circle in downtown Sebring.

Area restaurants have food booths, and vintage cars roll into the Circle from the Sebring International Raceway. There will also be music. The event is free to the public.