'GREAT SCOUT EVENT' DRAWS 250 TO RACE CARS, BOATS

Building a Pinewood Derby race car is no easy task.

"The weight's the thing," said Jeff Mehner. "They have to weigh in at five ounces."

The Mehner car was a little off pace, at 4.8 ounces.

A few pieces of lead solved the problem. Jeff Mehner and his son, Joseph, 10, stacked the pieces of lead on the racer's hood, until the scales read "5" ounces, the required weight -- no more, no less -- for the vehicle, which would race down a 32-foot-long track during the "Great Scout Show," held at the Osage Community Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway. Saturday.

The Mehners were not the only ones who had to make some adjustments. The previous entry had to have some lead removed to qualify.

More than 100 entries were expected.

"We usually have as many as 150 entries for the annual event," said Jerry Simmers, chairman for the one-day event, which featured Scouts and Scout activities throughout the Shawnee District.

The entries ranged in style from a limousine design, to that of a freight engine and hot-rod rail job. Most, however, were in the shape of traditional racing machines, featuring brilliant colors.

Two other big race events were on the day's schedule -- The Rain Gutter Regatta, a sailboat race, and the Space Derby, a race of home-made rocket ships, propelled by rubber bands.

In addition to races, the activities showcased Cub and Boy Scouts from throughout the district, featuring displays of Scout equipment, hands-on Boy Scout crafts and demonstrations, and a "ship" (troop) of Sea Scouts of the Boy Scouts. The Sea Scout group, a co-ed "ship" was Venture Cruise 16 of Cape Girardeau.

The three races attracted much of the Scout and spectator action Saturday.

The home-made cars raced down a 32-foot, electronically timed race track, six at a time. The sailboat races, down a 25-foot section of guttering almost filled with water, were pushed along by air created by Scouts blowing on the sails.

And, the home-made rockets, powered by rubber bands, flew down a special 40-foot track, along lines about 5 feet above the floor.

The pinewood derby kits include a block of wood, wheels and axles.

The sailboat kits contained the boat and sail. The boat must be 6 to 7 inches in length.

A special kit has been designed for the Space Derby, in only its third year at the Great Scout Event. The rocket body may be no longer than 7 inches, not including the propeller and fins. There are no restrictions on weight or design of the rocket.

More than 250 Scouts participated in the event, which included a number of crafts events.

Scout groups produced a stove-grill from empty gallon cans, designed wind chimes, made fishing lures and practiced tying knots.

Scouts also participated in a couple of special "jousting" events.

The Great Scout Event was sponsored by the Shawnee District of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Most of the Scouts were from the immediate Cape Girardeau area, including troops from Jackson, Marble Hill and as far south as Benton and as far north as Perryville.