In case you missed this important inauguration-related story, chosen from among the thousands of groups applying for the privilege to march in the parade that day were the self-styled World Famous Lawn Rangers of Amazing Arcola, Illinois. Motto: "You're only young once but you can always be immature."
And what are they famous FOR? Dave Barry, a veteran member of the group himself, describes their schtick as performing "highly sophisticated, semi-synchronized maneuvers with lawnmowers, brooms and toilet plungers." This post about them on the Inauguration Blog proudly counts them among the "incredible talents" chosen to perform.
Finally, this newspaper article fills in the back story - about their having entertained people across the Midwest for some 28 years and, for Chicago's 2003 St. Patrick's Day Parade, having been joined by this toilet-plunger-wielding state senator.
Hey! These guys have razor-sharp reflexes, perfect timing, conduct precision maneuvers, and are trained to the limits of human endurance!
Or not...
They ARE fun to watch; ya'll stop by the Arcola Broom Festival Parade, and see their daring bravado in person...
Of course, most of us go just to see the crashes:)
Posted by: Bob Vaiden | February 17, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Oh, this is too funny! Thanks for expanding my knowledge of specialized group activities.
Posted by: Melanthia | February 17, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Susan, I was just thinking, after reading the February edition of the Sustainable Gardening blog, that I can always! count on your to tell me what I need to know. And you have proved it once again. Thanks.
Posted by: commonweeder | February 18, 2009 at 06:35 AM
I'm sorry I missed seeing them in the video footage. I'd have gotten as much of a giggle from them as I did the Get A Life Marching Band (http://www.getalifemb.org/) from Portland. They were the grand finale for the parade. They're a hoot. The founder said, "When I started this band, it just grew like our waistlines" and their motto is "We'd rather miss a note than a meal!" I wasn't in band in HS but I'm wishing I was just so I could join this group now.
Just imagine the hilarity that could ensue if the World Famous Lawn Rangers of Amazing Arcola, Illinois and the Get A Life Marching Band of Portland, Oregon got together.
Posted by: Lisa Albert | February 18, 2009 at 03:03 PM
They are coming to wipe ou Ranters who despise lawns everywhere!!!!
They are right behind the Synchronized Briefcase Drill Team
The TROLL
Posted by: greg draiss | February 18, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Sorry Greg...
None of those mowers actually mow:) The "Rangers" are the bane of working lawn mowers everywhere!
The WILDFLOWER GUY (Ok...even I have a lawn mower, but...)
Posted by: Bob Vaiden | February 19, 2009 at 06:55 AM
Susan - long time no type. Love the article; kinda like the Pasadena Doo-Dah parade. And why does that last photo look like our new president holding a toilet plunger over his head.
Here's a lead for you...click over to Amazon and find Owen Dell's (my TV show co-host) just published "Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies" book. It's the bomb! You'll enjoy the read and I think it will crank up the appreciation of our dearly beloved mission for the rest of the world. Lemme know what you think. A review from you ladies would be most influential.
Thanks...bg in sb
Posted by: Billy Goodnick | February 19, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Did you know the Lawn Rangers have their own Wikipedia page? They call themselves a precision lawn mowing drill team. Haha!
I mentioned your post in my latest edition of the Compost Pile. Judging by this week's news, it would appear sustainable gardening practices are becoming more mainstream. Finally some good news. ...
http://www.whgmag.com/613-the-compost-pile-613
Posted by: Nikki Smith | February 20, 2009 at 08:24 AM