About The Lawnmower Precision Drill Team
The WBOC’s “Lawnmower Precision Drill Team” is a group of expertly trained lawnmower pilots who display magnificent techniques with precision timing.
The group typically performs at area parades and festivals where their skills are renowned.
Imagine the roar of a dozen or so lawnmowers coming down the road, manned by optimists wearing red as the display a dazzling array of tricks in unison!
The Lawnmower Precision Drill Team has been a hallmark of the club for since 1988.
History
The Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Precision Drill Team dates back to a crisp October evening in 1987. In an effort to make a one-time appearance in the Wapakoneta Halloween Parade, a time honored tradition began. Co-founders Jim Smith and Todd “Mow” Meier organized the first Drill Team using members of the Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Club.
Sixteen members took to the streets to entertain the locals as they have never been entertained before. Since that time the Drill Team has performed in over 50 parades before over 500,000 people. Members take pride in customizing their mowers to make noise, blow smoke and bubbles in addition to custom paint jobs, chrome exhaust and wheels. It has also become a fundraising effort for the Opimists as most communities make a donation for an appearance by the drill team.
Awards
1992
3rd Place Comedy Unit – Minster Octoberfest Parade
1993
1st Place Comedy Unit – Minster Octoberfest Parade
1994
Outstanding Parade Participant – Piqua Undrewear Festival Parade
Best Non-Profit Organization – Wapakoneta Halloween Parade
1995
1st Place Comedy – Minster Octoberfest Parade
Best Civic Organization – Wapakoneta Halloween Parade
Ambassador Award – Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce
Best Overall Unit – Cridersville Jamboree Parade
1996
2nd Place Comdy – Ft Loramie Liberty Days Parade
2nd Place Novelty – New Bremenfest Parade
2nd Place Marching Unit – New Bremenfest Parade
2nd Place Comedy – Minster Octoberfest Parade
Best Marching Unit – Wapakoneta Halloween Parade
1997
2nd Place Comedy Unit – Minster Octoberfest Parade
Grand Marshal’s Award – Wapakoneta Halloween Parade
1998
1st Place Comedy Unit – Minster Octoberfest Parade
Best Marching Unit – Wapakoneta Halloween Parade
1999
1st Place Marching Unit – Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade
1st Place Comedy – Minster Octoberfest Parade
Best Marching Entry – Wapakoneta Halloween Parade
Participant – Dayton International Airshow Parade
2019
Spirit Award: Findlay Market Reds Opening Day Parade
Available for Parades
The Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Precision Drill Team stands at the ready, waiting for the next big parade and party to hit the area! We are available to make people smile and laugh… just get in touch!
