IPEI’s 2017 Adult Spelling Bee field is set with 32 spelling teams– three team members each – with entry fees covered by numerous team sponsors. Additional gifts of all sizes can be made through March 5 as the spellers and teams compete for prizes awarded to top fundraisers as well as for best spellers!
The Bee supports IPEI’s grants for ICSD teachers with innovative ideas. Thanks to generous event sponsors, all proceeds from the Bee directly fund grants.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the fun-filled gathering that draws a large crowd of all ages eager to watch the teams of spellers representing local businesses, schools, and community groups. Team costumes are encouraged, and cheering sections rally the competitors as the teams battle it out to make it to the championship round vying for the Fuzzy Bee trophy.
Throughout the Sunday, March 5 event that will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. (activities start at 1:30 p.m. when the doors open). There’s a silent auction with wonderful items donated by these local businesses.
Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Cornell Catering, and a photo booth provided by Remembox will be on site for spellers and spectators to capture their memories of the fun!
The drawing of the winning ticket in the quilt raffle will round out the fun, so make sure to get your tickets before the final round.
When IPEI was founded 20 years ago, Ralph Jones proposed adult spelling bees as fun fundraisers that would generate community support for ICSD teachers and students. This year’s Adult Spelling Bee honors his many years assisting with IPEI and its signature event; Jones will preside as “King Bee”.
Last year’s Bee piloted a spelling competition format based on the Bozeman School Foundation, Montana. With this new approach, teams in each round were given the same words to spell at the same time, and the pace of spelling increased.
To add another layer of challenge, the format for the final Championship round will remain a surprise this year. It may differ from the written format of rounds one through four. The rules will be announced between the fourth and final rounds keeping all participants in suspense!
Contact the Spelling Bee Committee, ipei@ipei.org to get involved or with questions. Co-chairs are Steve Manley, steven.manley@ipei.org, and Jennifer Biloski, jbiloski@twcny.rr.com, 607-256-4734 (IPEI).
In case of severe inclement weather, a decision to cancel the event will be made by 10:00 a.m. on March 5. This decision will be posted on our web site, and on Facebook and Twitter. However, we hope all roads would be cleared by the time of the event at 2:00 p.m.