The grand opening ceremony of the North Idaho State Fair drew a monster crowd Friday. 

It wasn’t because of the speeches, Color Guard, song or awards. 

No, cameras, phones and eyes were trained on something else that stood majestically nearby, towering gracefully and effortlessly over the festivities. 

“Welcome to the Budweiser Clydesales,” said Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare. “This is a real honor and treat to have you here, by the way.” 

Yep. Already, they’re stealing the show. 

And there’s a good chance they’ll do just that for the fair that runs daily through Aug. 24 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. 

“They’re beautiful, absolutely gorgeous,” said Naomi Hildebrandt, who admired the mighty horses with her children, Eliano and Sebastian. 

Eliano quickly became a fan, too.

“Two thumbs up,” he said when asked what he thought of the Clydesdales. 

Friend Kim Seely, joined by her kids, Kenna and Holden, was equally enthralled. 

“The size of them is amazing,” she said. “It’s almost like looking at a prehistoric animal.” 

The Budweiser Clydesdales were brought to the fair by Watkins Distributing. Annie Pfinsgraff, vice president, described them as “a true symbol of tradition, teamwork and pride. 

“Seeing families excited to meet them is a reminder that the fair is more than an event," she said. "It's a celebration of the different generations that shape our community.” 

The horses have been a symbol of Anheuser-Busch since 1933. Since then, they’ve become cultural icons, appearing in Super Bowl commercials, major parades and even two U.S. presidential inaugurations.

Their appearance at the North Idaho State Fair ties in with this year’s theme, “Keeping Tradition Alive.” 

“The fair has always been a place where history and community come together,” said Jerry Johnson, fair board chairman, in a previous press release. “And welcoming the Budweiser Clydesdales only strengthens that connection.”

The Clydesdales will make multiple appearances during the fair, with shows scheduled at 4 p.m. today; 12:30 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and noon Aug. 24. Other times they will be in their stables.

“Thank you to the Budweiser Clydesdales and all their hard work,” Pfinsgraff said. “If you’re 21 and over, grab a Budweiser and cheers to the fair.” 

    People place hands on chests during the opening ceremony of the North Idaho State Fair on Friday.
  

    The Color Guard walks in front of the Budweiser Clydesdales on Friday during opening ceremonies at the North Idaho State Fair.
  

    Hooves of the Budweiser Clydesdales.
  

    A poster of the Budweiser Clydesdales looks down on the real thing on Friday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
  

    Families pose by the Budweiser Clydesdales at the North Idaho State Fair on Friday. Kim Seely with kids Kenna and Holden, left, Naomi Hildebrandt and kids Eliano and Sebastian, center, and Kiersten Bold and kids Liam and Leni.