Pinewood derby is a long-standing tradition, since 1953, in the Cub Scout program. Many Montgomery County Cub Scouts packs assist young boys and their families in the construction of racecars from a block of wood then conduct races.
This pinewood derby custom will now become a part of the Montgomery County Museum and Lewis Miller Art Center CruisIn’ on May 20, 2017 in downtown Christiansburg.
This Montgomery County Museum’s second annual event will feature antique and classic cars parked along Main Street from 4-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. There will be food vendors, free youth activities and Plein Air Painters to enjoy.
Ignite on Main Street will be offering a free showing of a Disney’s Pixar Cars movie in the old Baptist Church building.
The pinewood derby will be conducted from 4-6 p.m. on Hickok Street by Cub Scout Pack 145. While Cub Scouts have strict rules to follow for the building and racing of derby cars, this activity will be an outlaw version.
There will be no weighing or measurements. So long as the car fits on the track, there will be races using software to track speed and finishes. Former Cub Scouts can dust off their old pinewood derby cars. Current Cub Scouts can use this or any years’ cars to challenge the public to race for bragging rights.
Families of all ages can start a tradition of building and designed their own cars. Pinewood derby kits are available for purchase at the Montgomery Museum for $5.00. Pre-cut derby cars and accessories are available at Adventure Hobbies, Michael’s Art and Crafts, and hardware stores. All kids who race will receive a special Pinewood Derby patch.
The CruisIn’ is a free family event. Contact the Montgomery Museum at 382-5644 to enter a classic or antique, car into this event, to purchase a pinewood derby kit or for other information.
