Cub Scouts who built 40 small, driverless, wooden race cars gathered in Aurora Sunday afternoon to compete on an indoor racetrack.
Cub Scout Pack 326 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Aurora held its second annual Pinewood Derby Sunday afternoon in the church school’s gym. The family event attracted Scouts, relatives, and friends. Pack 326, chartered by Kiwanis Club of Aurora, is part of Scouting America Three Fires Council based in St. Charles.
Council executive Len Bogacki opened the event with “Scouting Today” remarks. He invited guests to support Scouting with their “time, talent and treasure.” Pack 326 Cub Master Kevin Boedewig emceed races with assistance of volunteers.
During the derby, Scouts launched handmade race cars powered only by gravity. The mini-vehicles rolled down a six-lane, sloped track with wood strips down the center to guide them.
The race cars must meet certain size and weight requirements. Awards are typically presented for fastest, most creative designs and sportsmanship.
Units represented in 32-member Pack 326 were Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and siblings.
Partnering with a parent or adult mentor, each Scout designed and built a custom car using a kit that includes a wooden block, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
At a concession stand, volunteers sold hotdogs, chips, popcorn, and beverages.
A derby for grownups is set for Wednesday, March 12, in Sugar Grove. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at Rich Harvest Farms auto museum, 7S771 Dugan Road. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.
Visit ThreeFiresCouncil.org for more information on Scouting programs in Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, and Kendall Counties.
—Al Benson