For the third time in four years, the Tamaqua Girl Scouts took first place during the combined Tamaqua Boy, Cub and Girl Scouts Pinewood Derby Race Off held Saturday at the St John's United Church of Christ in Tamaqua.

The atmosphere during the event was both competitive and fun, as both parents and scouts worked together to get their derby cars to simply go faster.The pinewood derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouts, with the help of parents, build their own cars from a 7" by 2 " block of wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine, plastic wheels and metal axles.Scout leaders pointed out that the scouts held multiple fundraisers throughout the year to purchase a brand new four lane derby track.The derby, which started at 8 in the morning, lasted the entire day and consisted of more than 80 combined scouts.The Tamaqua Girl Scouts, who traditionally hold a Powder Puff Derby, chose to compete with the boys during their derbies. The girls also took first place last year and in 2010.The winners of the girl scout competition were Cheyenne Johnson, who placed first; Gabby Blasko, who placed second; McKayla Wall, who placed third; and Kayla Zamudio, who placed fourth.In addition, they placed second last year in 2011.Those scouts then competed amongst each other in a combined derby. This year's derby was a close call, but the girls eventually took the lead in the end, with girls scouts Casella taking second place and Soley taking first place.Scout leaders stressed that they are always looking for new scouts to join their ranks. Tamaqua Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, and Girls Scouts all meet weekly at the St John's UCC on Pine Street in Tamaqua. For more information about the Tamaqua Cub and Boy Scouts, call Boy/Cub Scout Master Scott Winterburn at (570) 527-2006 or Tamaqua Girls Scouts Service Unit Manager Nancy Paisley at (570) 578-5176. Organizers Jamie Greenzweig, Winterburn and Paisley stressed their appreciation for all the dedicated young scouts, parents' participation and support during their annual combined pinewood derby, stating, "This is always a fun event for both scouts and parents."