We reported back in January that the Express Employment Clydesdale horses, which appeared at downtown Sanford’s Christmas Parade in 2014, would be back for this year’s iteration of the event, which is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, December 3.
Now, Express – which serves Lee and surrounding counties with temporary help and direct hire employees – has announced that attendees will also have a chance to see the horses up close.
Express will host a pre-parade event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. outside the Sanford Elks Lodge, 910 Carthage St., at which visitors can have a picture taken with the horses in exchange for a donation to the Bread of Life Ministry. The Camelback Brewing Company and food truck Curbside Cravins will also be available with food and drinks for sale.
A statement from the Sanford franchise gives some background on the horses:
“Of a rare black and white color, the Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales stand six feet at the shoulders and weigh more than 2,000 pounds each. Their shoes are the size of dinner plates and weigh more than three pounds each.
In addition to competing on a national stage, the Express Clydesdales of Express Employment Professionals have participated in some of the most recognized parades and promotional events in the world, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Fiesta Bowl Parade, Orange Bowl Parade, Hollywood Parade, Calgary Stampede Parade, Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade, the International Finals Rodeo and the Professional Bull Riders World Finals.
The Clydesdales enjoyed a historic moment when they escorted Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in North America at the Calgary Stampede in 2011.”
The Sanford Express Employment Office, located at 307 N. Horner Blvd., is currently accepting applications. For more information about the 2018 Sanford Christmas Parade, click here.