“Gentlemen, start your cars!” Cub Scout Pack 497 held their annual Pinewood Derby on Sunday, January 29, at the United Methodist Church. The race was a double elimination and each boy had the opportunity to race more than one race. The derby was well attended by parents, grandparents, friends, and siblings.

Out of 18 entrants this year, the three winners who will represent Blanco in the district derby are Cole Tharp in first place, Morgan Lockwood in second and Joshua Neill in third. Congratulations Cubs and best wishes in your district derby!

Some of the Cubs go for sleek styles from their chunk of pine. Others go for style, such as a space shuttle or originality like “Hot Stuff.” Everyone goes for speed. Cub Scouts team with an adult partner to style and build their racers. Adults are encouraged to allow the boys to do as much of the building as they possibly can. That may mean just picking out the style and painting in Tiger Cubs, which are usually first grade boys. By the time the Cubs reach 5th grade (Webelos) they are adding cutting and axle work to their repertoire. As they grow, so do their skills. When asked, the Cubs unanimously agreed that their least favorite part of building is sanding!