Spelling Bee promises laughs; food for hungry kids

In 1925, the winning word in the National Spelling Bee was gladiolus. Last year it was cymotrichous. How about autochthonous from 2004? (Their meanings: ambush, having wavy hair and aboriginal.) The words presented in the Kiwanis Club of Waynesville’s spelling bee won't be quite as difficult, but will probably be a lot more fun for the contestants and for the audience. The event will be held Friday, Nov. 2, at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. Doors will open at 6:30 and the bee will begin at 7:00.   Hardcore spelling nerds, from seniors in high school to senior citizens, will check their dignity at the door for bragging rights and laughs.

There will be no charge for family, friends and others who want to cheer for their favorite team of spellers.  Hot dogs and chips with drinks and desserts will be available for $3. The bee will feature three-person teams of Waynesville's leaders, teachers, business people, and others who just love to put i before e except after c, all trying to out-spell the competition.

The teams, who are sponsored by local businesses and organizations, will raise additional money throughout the event by “purchasing” words they cannot spell. The revival of the Spelling Bee is very exciting for members of the Kiwanis Club of Waynesville because of their commitment to feed the hungry children of our community.  All proceeds will go to support the “Haywood County Hungry Kid’s Backpack Program”.

The spelling bee will be emceed by Tom Tout who is Past President and emcee emeritus of the Waynesville Kiwanis Club.

"This is sure to be a fun night where all of Waynesville can come together and laugh at ourselves and each other as we show our spelling prowess (or lack thereof)," said event co-chair Marty Peithman. "In fact, Buzz B Wellness, Medwest’s mascot, will be there to keep things buzzing."