CHOCOWINITY — The first Cub Scout Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 in California, and more than 60 years later that tradition is alive and well in eastern North Carolina.

Pack competitions are taking place throughout Beaufort County, including one hosted Jan. 23 by Pack No. 1774, which is sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church in Chocowinity.

That event, held at the Chocowinity Fire Department, drew young racers eager to show off their cars. Among them was Logan Johnston, an 8-year-old member of the Wolfs den.

With assistance from his dad, Logan designed and created a racecar with a Scooby Doo motif. The father-son team used sandpaper, electric sander and a drill press to make the car from a block of wood.

“It was fun,” said Logan, who took second place in his den’s competition last year. “I learned that painting is a lot easier.”

Overseeing this year’s event were Cub Master James Johnston, assistant Cub Master Charlie Elks and pack committee chair Dawn Johnston.

After a morning of spirited competition, Sam Elks walked away with top honors as Tigers den winner as well as overall pack champion. Second place among the Tigers went to Preston Broome while Caden Sprouse finished third.

Top racers for the Wolfs den were Logan Johnson, first place; Jason Hunt, second; Jacob Pendley, third; and Caleb Pendley, fourth.

Phillip Hollifield-Brinson won first prize for the Webelos den, followed by Dawson Cannon in second place. Dawson was a double winner as the recipient of the coveted “best in show” trophy, an award voted on by the Scouts themselves. He created a racecar with a Star Wars theme.

Next stop for these award winners on the Pinewood Derby circuit is the Blackbeard District competition scheduled for Feb. 13 at the Bear Grass Charter School gymnasium in Martin County.

Chocowinity’s Pack No. 1774 will host a pancake and sausage fundraiser Feb. 12 at the town’s fire department. That event begins at 5 p.m. and donations will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will help fund pack events throughout the year.

In March, the Cub Scouts and their leaders will embark on a “Back to Basics Spring Cub-o-ree” at Camp Boddie in Blounts Creek. Activities will include fire building, nature hikes, knot tying relay, games, first aid instruction and a campfire ceremony.

For more information about Cub Scout Pack No. 1774 and its activities, contact Cub Master Johnston at james.johnston@firstsouthnc.com.