Central Illinois will be well represented at next week's inaugural parade in Washington DC.

Arcola, IL (pop. 2062) has served as the worldwide headquarters for the Lawn Rangers.  Arcola is also the hometown of Johnny Gruell, creator of the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. 

Nearly 30 years ago, Arcola was celebrating their Raggedy Ann heritage with a parade.  Clayton Moore, aka "The Lone Ranger" was to appear in the parade. 



Shortly before the parade, the company that owned the trademark to the Lone Ranger filed a restraining order to prevent Clayton Moore from wearing the Lone Ranger mask in public. 

A group of Arcola citizens were outraged, a feeling likely fueled by the beverages they were consuming at the time.  These Arcola visionaries concocted the idea of the "Lawn Rangers".  While Clayton Moore would have to lead the parade without his trademark mask, there was nothing to keep this rag tag bunch from wearing one. 

And so this unlikely parade group was formed.  Based on the go-cart driving Shriners, the Lawn Rangers are composed of grown (but not mature) men pushing lawn mowers and holding brooms and toilet plungers.  (I'm sure the accessories made sense after the third beer).  They attempt precision moves, like marching in step, and stopping as a group.



In short, their marching skills have taken them across the country as they've marched in all sorts of parades including the Rose Bowl.  But they'll top that feat on Tuesday, as they are Obama's guest at the Inaugural Parade.  It stems in part from them convincing then Senator Obama to march with them in a Chicago Parade.  



For some very funny stories on the Lawn Rangers check out these articles from Dave Barry here and here.   (Just don't read them with food in your mouth, or you'll be wiping down your computer monitor.  They are that funny!)

In fact, Dave will be marching with the Lawn Rangers in DC!