Totem Hall was invaded by dozens of miniature wooden cars on Saturday (Jan. 26).
Squamish Scouts hosted the first-ever Sea to Sky Kub Kar Rally, with youngsters and their creations from as far away as Bowen Island taking to the ramps and cheering on their vehicles.
Jeremy Stubley, the Akela for the Squamish Cubs, said it was a good debut event and said he hopes it becomes an annual gathering.
“It’s the first time we’ve run something like this out here and I think it’s gone quite well,” he said. “We’ve got about 50 kids from Squamish, Whistler and Bowen Island and I think everyone’s had a lot of fun.”
Stubley said there is usually a big Kub Kars event on the North Shore every year, but with the success of the Squamish event there is the possibility of more local races. For the past three weeks, Squamish scouts have been designing their cars in anticipation of the big race and Stubley said it’s fun for everyone involved.
“You start with a block of wood, four nails and four wheels,” he said, of the kits that each youngster received. “When they finish it, it has to weigh 142 grams or lighter and the kids can design it and style it any way they like.”
Parent volunteers are on hand during the creation process to help with sanding, painting and design ideas.
“It’s a nice opportunity for the kids to spend some quality time with their parents doing something really fun,” Stubley said. “The kids love it.”
Saturday saw official registration, weigh-in and inspection of all the cars take place at 10 a.m., with races getting underway 30 minutes later. The afternoon saw the people’s choice award handed out for best-designed car and the final races taking place. A typical race sees four cars placed on the top of a large ramp and then all are released at the same time.
Ryan Kerr from Bowen Island took home first place in the people’s choice contest, with his car designed to look like a tank. Zach Stubley from Squamish came in second and Bowen Island’s Miranda Berry came in third.
As for the races, Elliot Smallwood from Squamish grabbed first place, with Squamish’s Zach Stubley finishing second and Baerdon Olson from Bowen Island coming in third. The consolation final was won by Chris Cox from Whistler. Sam Beatty from Squamish had the fastest car in the younger “Beaver” division.
Stubley said scouts are always accepting new applicants, with Beavers (aged five to seven) meeting on Tuesdays, Scouts (12 to 14) meeting on Wednesdays, Cubs (eight to 10) meeting on Thursdays and Venturers (14 to 17) meeting on a self-set schedule.
Upcoming activities for the Squamish Scouts include winter camping at Shadow Lake, with the group also fundraising for the 2013 Scouts Jamboree later this year in Alberta. For more information on the group, visit www.squamishscouts.com.
