Our Town's World-Famous Lawn Rangers!
Updated: September 7, 2012
ARCOLA -- An area club is hundreds strong. Members range in age from 20 - 70. WCIA-3's Jessica Shaw introduces us to the world-renown Lawn Rangers.
The group proves you're never too old to have fun. This small town has a rich history. The Broomcorn Capitol of the world is also home to historic buildings and the world famous drill team. It's motto?
"You're only young once, but you can always be immature. So, we've got a lot of guys in that category."
Pat Monahan is one of the original founders.
"We've been going, this is amazing to me, this is the 32nd year in the Broomcorn Festival. A lot of marriages don't last that long."
"It's a collection of funny people who have a good sense of humor."
Their duty, after all, pushing lawnmowers and wielding brooms in Our Town's Annual Broomcorn Parade. You laugh, but it's a skill that's taken the group far.
"We've been to Detroit. The ultimate was the Inaugural Bowl."
Only the best are inducted into the group.
"We don't just take them off the street."
WCIA-3's photojournalist, Alan Balch, agreed to let us document his journey in becoming a Lawn Ranger.
"Oh, I don't like to divulge too much here, but we do have an intensive training camp. We'll take your man here and run him through an intensive training camp."
A highly-selective process full of mental strain.
"It's like a private. You take an exam."
There are physical challenges too. After all, it takes a lot to fulfill the duties.
The group proves you're never too old to have fun. This small town has a rich history. The Broomcorn Capitol of the world is also home to historic buildings and the world famous drill team. It's motto?
"You're only young once, but you can always be immature. So, we've got a lot of guys in that category."
Pat Monahan is one of the original founders.
"We've been going, this is amazing to me, this is the 32nd year in the Broomcorn Festival. A lot of marriages don't last that long."
"It's a collection of funny people who have a good sense of humor."
Their duty, after all, pushing lawnmowers and wielding brooms in Our Town's Annual Broomcorn Parade. You laugh, but it's a skill that's taken the group far.
"We've been to Detroit. The ultimate was the Inaugural Bowl."
Only the best are inducted into the group.
"We don't just take them off the street."
WCIA-3's photojournalist, Alan Balch, agreed to let us document his journey in becoming a Lawn Ranger.
"Oh, I don't like to divulge too much here, but we do have an intensive training camp. We'll take your man here and run him through an intensive training camp."
A highly-selective process full of mental strain.
"It's like a private. You take an exam."
There are physical challenges too. After all, it takes a lot to fulfill the duties.
