Buy a $1 Horseshoe to Benefit Mounted Police

A project to benefit Bethlehem's mounted patrol unit is off to a galloping good start with Main Street merchant Karan Merkel raising $1,000 at her Girlfriends Boutique.

Merkel's shop is one of 30 businesses selling $1 paper horseshoes in conjunction with an upcoming appearance of the Budweiser Clydesdales in the Lehigh Valley. 

Allentown Beverage, which is sponsoring the Budweiser Clydesdales' visit, launched the paper horseshoe fundraising project. 

Merkel talked about the importance of the mounted patrol unit: "We want those horses to be protected because they mean the world to the downtown Bethlehem businesses. They are part of the downtown family.  I can't imagine being without them." 

All proceeds from the paper horseshoe project will be used for a security system for the stable that houses the mounted patrol unit's three horses: Raven, Pharaoh and George.  

“I was so excited when I hit the $1,000 mark,” said Merkel. “But, now I’m aiming for $1,500! I have photos in my store of Pharaoh, Raven and George.  These horses need to be safe, and I’m glad I can help make that happen.”

One lucky winner will be chosen to have the Clydesdales visit their home — the hitch will arrive outside the winner’s home and parade down their street. 

“We are so proud of every business in the downtown that is participating in this fundraiser,” said Kasara McLaughlin, manager of the Downtown Bethlehem Association. “It’s going to be a wonderful, happy sight when the Clydesdales are trotting down Main Street, and we’ll be happier knowing that the horses that protect the downtown every day will now be safer in their home!”

You can buy a $1 horseshoe at the following businesses:

Bethlehem:
Girlfriends Boutique
Stations Cafe
American Hairlines
Moravian Book Store
The Keystone Pub
Old Brewery Tavern
Rosanna’s
Your Welcome Inn
Joe’s Tavern
Ripper’s Pub
Willow Grove
The Tally-Ho
Molly’s Irish Grille
JP MacGrady’s Pub
Steel Pub
The Wooden Match
Sotto Santi
The Beef Baron

Allentown:
Chaar
Jack Callahan’s Ale House
Ringer’s Roost
Kuhnsville Hotel
Stahley’s

Easton:
Louie’s Cafe
Brick House Tavern
Pints and Pies
Drinky’s
Mother’s
Milo’s Place
College Hill Tavern