The world-renowned Clydesdales have made it to town and are ready to strut their stuff during Mardi Gras Southeast Texas.

The 10 “gentle giants” are currently housed at the Aurora Building on Procter Street in downtown Port Arthur and patrons of the festival will have a chance to see them up close.

Andy Bogan, area marketing director for Budweiser, said the horses will also make an appearance in four days of parades beginning on Thursday.

Clydesdale Handler Shelby Zarobinski took a minute to groom and brush some of the 10 horses, which stand at least 72-inches at the shoulder before, bringing Prince, a 7-year-old Clydesdale, out for a photo op.

Rodney Morgan was among the group that had gathered for an early viewing.

“They are gorgeous animals,” Morgan said. “And when you see them lined up, pulling, it’s amazing.”

Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser Clydesdales make hundreds of appearances each year. The Clydesdales are an American icon and one of the world’s most recognized corporate symbols.

To qualify for a hitch, a Clydesdale must be a gelding at least four years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, a blaze of white on the face, four white legs, and a black mane and tail.