By Tanna Friday
For the Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — Members of the Trussville Pack 216 were racing to the finish line on Saturday, Jan 20, at the Trussville Civic Center as the group held their annual Pinewood Derby.
In its fifth event at the Civic Center, the annual pinewood derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
Last month, scouts were given official pinewood derby kits at the Trussville Christmas consisting of one car body (block of wood) along with axles and wheels. Scouts were given six weeks to complete construction before the January race.
With the assistance of their parents and several Scout work sessions, scouts constructed a wide variety of cars within the guidelines of the 2018 Pack 216 Pinewood Derby rules. These guidelines state that all cars must be constructed from the official BSA Pinewood Derby kit and weigh 5 ounces or less, and measure no taller than 4” high x 2.75” wide x 7” long.
“I am always impressed with not only the scouts, but their siblings’ creativity and wittiness,” said Assistant Scoutmaster, Robb Letts. “Some of their ideas were influenced by things like Legos, super heroes, cartoons, our military, patriotism, and so much more.”
“My personal favorite was a child’s car sponsored by Gas-X,” said Letts. “When they register their cars, they often come up with names that, as a race announcer, force me to get creative with how I introduce them to the crowd.”
With a little more than 60 cars submitted, Letts attributes the event’s success with the excitement and support of participants. “The boys’ excitement and enthusiasm were shown as they supported and cheered on everyone throughout the race,” said Letts. “Everyone came away a winner because they do their best.”
Leaders were on hand to award certificates to each of the kids’ car creations. The next Derby event will be held in the Three Rivers District at Palmerdale United Methodist Church on Mar. 4.
The results of the 2018 Trussville Cub Scout Pack 216 Pinewood Derby are as follows:
Lion Winners:
1st Place – Wil Blaauw
2nd Place – Silas Thach
3rd Place – Henry Hallman
Tiger Winners:
1st Place – Avery Santiago
2nd Place – Connor Mitchell
3rd Place – Ryland Spence
Wolf Winners:
1st Place – Keenan Lundy
2nd Place – Jackson Frandsden
3rd Place – John Alex Green
Bear Winners:
1st Place – Braxton Benefield
2nd Place – Steven Richards
3rd Place – CJ Algee
Webelos Winners:
1st Place – Ryland Letts
2nd Place – Charlie Crider
3rd Place – Davis Sharp
Arrow of Light Winners:
1st Place – Thomas Pair
2nd Place – Johnny Banks
3rd Place – Riley Harper
Sibling Winners
1st Place – Lilee Richards
2nd Place – Avery Lundy
3rd Place – Mia Crider
Open Class Winners:
1st Place – Robb Letts Asst. Cubmaster
2nd Place – Emily Davis Lion Leader
3rd Place – Preston Mitchell
Outlaw Class Winner: Andy McClure
Best In Show Winner Voted on by their peers: Gabriel Martin
Grand Finalists:
1st Place – Wil Blaauw
2nd Place – Braxton Benefield
3rd Place – John Alex Green
Pack overall grand finalist:
1st Place – Wil Blaauw, Lion;
2nd Place – Braxton Benefield, Bear; and
3rd Place – John Alex Greene