A judge for a day
Prairie Editor judges Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

by Heather Warthen

February 12, 2009

It all starts with a simple block of wood.

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Cub Scout Pack 400 invited me to attend their Pinewood Derby on Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Orland Park.

However, I wasn't there to cover the event — instead, I was chosen to judge cars based on style and creativity in seven different categories. I was chosen to pick the most colorful, snazziest and craftiest cars imaginable for best design, best paint job, best theme, most original, funniest design, holy roller and closest to a block of wood.

This was by far no easy task — good thing I had another person to help me, fellow judge CJB principal, Mary Iannucilli.

This wasn't the first time I had attended a Pinewood Derby. I have covered a couple of these events over the last few years and I am always impressed with how creative some of the scouts get with their cars. This derby was no exception with Santa's sleigh packed with presents, an empty soccer field just waiting to be used and even a Kraft Macaroni & Cheese car that resembled the box of cheesy goodness.  Cub Scout Pack 400 from Cardinal Joseph Bernardin raced more than 40 cars in their Pinewood Derby.

  photo: Heather Warthen/22nd Century Media.

Mary Iannucilli and I carefully checked out more than 40 cars — each carefully detailed and designed to hopefully win their race. Just even a quick glance at the cars and you had an immediate respect for the time and precision that went into creating each one.

Reach Heather at heather@opprairie.com.