Girls rule at pinebox derby

Published 12:28 am Friday, October 3, 2008

Anyone who thinks auto racing is just for guys is wrong. Girl Scout’s honor. Just ask any one of the 150-plus spectators and participants present on Sunday, April 15, at the youth activity center in North Bend and they’d tell you that auto racing (pinewood derby style) is thriving among the Girl Scouts of the Snoqualmie Valley.

Thanks to seventh-grade Cadette Girl Scouts Kirsten Wunder and Caitlin Donnelly, pinewood derby racing was brought to the girls of our community for the first time last April. Having brothers in Boy Scouts, Kirsten and Caitlin enjoyed pinewood derbies from the sidelines for years. So last year, the two decided to earn their bronze awards (the highest award available to Junior Girl Scouts) by planning, organizing and, finally, offering a pinewood derby to Girl Scouts here in the Valley.

Last year 49 girls raced their cars to the finish. This year boasted 64 contestants, with entries ranging from sleek formula-one styles, to hero sandwiches, beds and violins on wheels. First-place winner was Maggie Wood, second place went to Megan McCulley and third place went to Indira Lalgee.

This was Kirsten and Caitlin’s second year organizing the race. Many thanks go out to them for a wonderful time had by all.

Jo Ann Brookes

Snoqualmie Valley