On Saturday, the Cub Scouts of Martha’s Vineyard held their annual pinewood derby, a tradition that dates back to the early 1950s.

Families gathered in the Agricultural Hall as kids brought wooden cars of all different colors and designs to the check-in desk to be measured. Cars had to weigh no more than five ounces and be precisely seven inches long.

If a car happened to be slightly off, kids could head to the ‘fix-it’ table, equipped with weights, hot glue guns, wood files and spare wheels and axles.

“This is a terrific family activity,” unit commissioner John Freeman said. “At the Cub Scout level it’s all about fun.”

The winner, Elwood Albiston, and his father, Garrett. — Aaron Wilson

Competition began with everyone reciting the pledge of allegiance and the scout’s motto. Then the racers were divided into four divisions: Tigers, Wolves, Webelos, Siblings.

At the start of the races, kids gathered at the end of the wooden track that dates back to the 1980s, ready to watch their cars zoom down the slope to the finish line. Each car ran four heats, with the average of the four runs becoming the time to beat. Once a winner was announced from each division, it was time for lunch and a mac n’ cheese contest. In addition to five different variations of the dish, scouts, siblings and parents chowed down on salad, meatballs and chips and salsa.

After lunch the championship heat started. Kids congregated at the finish line and chanted friend’s names in support. After two runs there was a slight delay in the action due to a car losing a weight in the excitement of the moment. Following a quick hot glue gun fix, the race was back on, and after the fourth heat a winner was crowned.

Elwood Albiston’s car took gold with an average run time of 3.152 seconds in the championship heats. The second-year scout said his favorite part about building his car was how his dad helped him put it together. He also enjoyed the recognition on race day.

“I liked how everybody was chanting my name,” Elwood said with a smile.