Girl Scouts compete in Powder Puff Derby on Saturday
Apr. 28—ASHTABULA — Dozens of Ashtabula County Girl Scouts and their parents packed into the First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall on Saturday afternoon for the Powder Puff Derby.
More than 90 cars made trips down the four-lane track on Saturday afternoon with dozens of people cheering for their favorite car.
Many of the cars were decorated with colorful paint jobs.
"All told there were 94 cars [that] ran down the track, 71 being Girl Scouts. It is definitely the largest derby that I have ever run," said Charles Kachersky, who coordinated the event.
"My helpers were awesome and helped streamline the entire event. We did not have to re-run any races, which is abnormal," Kachersky said.
He said the task seemed daunting with all of the cars, but it worked out well.
Northeast Ohio Girl Scout Chief Executive Officer Jane Christyson attended the event. She said the similar events that provide challenges for girls helps maintain membership and draw new members to the program.
"If you don't have these events and challenge them to try something new. They will quit," she said.
Christyson said the region includes 18 counties and 19,000 Girl Scouts.
The girls came from all over Ashtabula County and had the opportunity to create the cars that flew down the track. In addition to the main race category of the Girl Scouts, there were also opportunities for siblings and adults.
In the Girl Scout Division, Delaney Sterba won first place; Caitlin Sterba, second pace; Brea Parker, third place; Eden Williams, fourth place; and Angel Faunce fifth place.
Specialty awards were also given out for the Girl Scouts in numerous categories including Best Theme, Kelsey Popovich; Best Paint, Brianna Redd; I Did it Myself, Caitlyn Gifford; Kids Choice, Ave Thibeault, Adult Choice, Sophia Kiser; and Leaders Choice, Autumn Hubbard.
Johnny Shymansky won the sibling category and got the Best Honorary Scout Award and Brian Sterba won the adult competition and got the Bragging Rights Trophy.
