The Bainbridge Public Library’s annual spelling bee is a bit sillier than its Scripps sister — and we’re not even talking about Bhama Roget, EDGE Improv funnywoman and this year’s emcee.
For starters, elaborate costumes and clever names — Vowel Movements, anyone? — are highly encouraged. And preparation is overrated. Contestants need not cuddle their dictionaries late into the night, trading words for friends (or confidantes, if you’re looking for something with more orthographic rigor).
In fact, the only requirement to enter the Sept. 19 competition is to register a team of two or three.
An entry fee of $150 buys you in, and businesses have the option to sponsor the event, which benefits the library, at various levels. (In exchange for a $300 donation, “Honey Bees” receive tickets for four non-spellers and a shout-out in the event’s marketing materials. “Queen Bees” pony up $500 for a three-bee team, tickets for three non-spellers and a promotional mention at the event and in its marketing materials.)
So why does BPL need extra funds?
“It’s not very sexy, but Bainbridge Public Library supports all of the maintenance of the building,” explained event chairwoman Judy Ruliffson.
“A lot of people don’t understand the difference between Kitsap Regional Library and Bainbridge Public Library,” she added. “On Bainbridge, [KRL] buys people and books, but the building is all maintained by Bainbridge Public Library. If we need new light bulbs, if the heater goes out, if the window breaks. It isn’t the most glamorous, but it’s got to be done.”
The 2014 bee, BPL’s second, raised about $9,000.
“It was significantly more than we raised the first year,” said Ruliffson, who is hopeful the event will continue its upward trajectory.
There’s no age limit to compete, although Ruliffson noted that the bee is geared toward adults.
“It’s not like there was anything risqué,” she said of last year’s contest. “It’s just not really exciting for [kids].”
That, and you might not want your offspring to watch you crumble.
Or resort to bribery.
The bee is single elimination, but if contestants miss a word, they can pay “sting money” to buy back in. (Bee judges Kate Carruthers, Faith Chapel and Anne Blair will keep everybody honest.)
The deadline to register a team is Sept. 1. Individuals and organizations can sign up at www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org/spelling-bee.aspx. Tickets for non-spellers cost $15 and can also be purchased online.
