The Literacy Council of Buncombe County will hold “Beauty and the Bee,” an adult Spelling Bee, on April 3, 2019 at The Mothlight in West Asheville. Beginning at 6 pm, fifteen teams of three adults each will compete in the themed, spirited, and zany word challenge.
While the word list is challenging to even the most advanced spellers, this event is not a traditional, stilted spelling bee. Audience members are encouraged to cheer on their favorite teams and can even purchase opportunities to cheat on the spellers’ behalf. Spellers and audience members are encouraged to wear costumes in homage to this year’s beauty-pageant event theme: Beauty and the Bee.
Spelling Bee teams are fielded by local businesses, non-profits, community associations, colleges, book clubs and friends. This year’s teams include the 2018 winning team, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café; the 2017 highest fundraising team, Chestnut/Corner Kitchen; and more.
Funds raised by the Beauty and the Bee Spelling Bee support the Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s programs that provide basic literacy and English language services to 2,200 people in Buncombe County.