×

Pinewood Derby more than racing

An annual father-son event is scheduled for this weekend with the Pinewood Derby at the Fort Steuben Mall.

Fathers and sons come together every year at this time to build cars to race against fellow Cub Scouts.

The event kicked off with events Friday and will continue 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Friday’s races were strictly for adult volunteers and those who have recently made the move from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. It also is the time used for testing the track and making any adjustments needed for today’s main event.

More than 200 Cub Scouts in grades first through fifth from the Two Chiefs District are expected to participate in the Pinewood Derby. They will come from all parts of our area, from New Manchester and Weirton, from Steubenville and Martins Ferry, from Cadiz and Flushing.

Each car faces a series of inspections for length, width, height clearance and weight prior to the competition. But the real difference is in the engineering and artistic designs of each car. The Cub Scout will put personal touches on his car.

Behind all of the engineering, woodworking skills and painting and decorating of the car will be what the derby is all about – it’s the chance for a boy to enjoy quality time and receive help and guidance from a caring adult. Those are lessons that always will be remembered.

The first derby competition was held 60 years ago. Today, more than 1 million Cub Scouts put their skills to the test.

Also on Saturday, there will be a Scout Show to showcase troops from the area and their various projects.

Six winners will be announced at the end of the Pinewood Derby competition on Saturday.

But all the Scouts are winners for participating in the competition with the help of an adult who spent quality time with the child.

It is an activity that teaches Cub Scouts lessons they will use for the rest of their lives.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today