Corporate Pinewood Derby to raise funds for local Boy Scouts on May 2

Officials with the Sioux District of the Boy Scouts of America are gearing up for their third annual Corporate Pinewood Derby events, which, according to District Executive Michael Dineen, are the local organization’s largest annual fundraiser.

“This is our biggest fundraiser this year, and we’re shooting to raise $20,000,” said Dineen, who noted the event doubled in size from its first year to the next.

Last year’s Corporate Pinewood Derby saw 32 businesses and organizations compete, “but we’re shooting for 60 this year,” said Dineen.

Two pinewood derbies will take place on May 2, one at the Elks Lodge in Poplar Bluff and another at the Hidden Trails Country Club in Dexter. Both events will begin at 6 p.m.

The derbies, Dineen said, are a “great way to support local scouting. With the number of kids in the organization growing, we don’t want (cost) to be an obstacle for them to enjoy scouting.”

Dineen described the Corporate Pinewood Derbies as a “homegrown thing, and they are 100 percent Poplar Bluff and Dexter events. No one else is doing this anywhere.”

The derbies are open to anyone, though businesses make up the majority of participants, Dineen said. Individuals, clubs, civic groups and any other organizations also are welcome to participate.

Many employees of local businesses, he noted, also pool their money together to form a team.

Registration for the derbies already has begun, and those doing so before Thursday’s early-bird deadline will save some money.

Registration costs $225 through Thursday, then the rate will go up to $250. On race day, the cost will be $275 at the door.

Sponsorships also are available at various support levels from $25-$100 and include business promotion on both the Sioux District Facebook page and banners at the events.

Anyone wishing to participate can register online at https://scoutingevent.com/312-SiouxPinewoodDerbyPoplarBluff?draftmode=1 or call Dineen at 573-778-7687 and email him at michael.dineen@scouting.org .

Everyone registering will receive a pinewood derby car kit, or, if they prefer, they may borrow a car.

“We have loads of cars that have won pinewood derbies in the past, and I can get them a car,” Dineen emphasized.

For those wishing to take on the challenge of building their own car, a special pinewood derby car-building workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the shop classroom at Poplar Bluff High School.

During the May 2 derbies, Dineen said, everyone is welcome to attend and watch the races.

“Its a fun way for scouting to be visible to the public,” he said.