Manitowoc library fundraiser mixes beer, spelling. 5 things to know about Brew N’ Bee III: Spell Harder!
Your mouth is dry. A little too dry. Definitely drier than it typically should be at 6:27 p.m. on a Wednesday evening in July.
You give yourself an internalized pep talk, reminding yourself that in “Die Hard,” John McClane ran barefoot across broken glass to get the job done.
But, John McClane doesn’t even know how to spell “Q-U-I-T.”
Now, it’s your turn to step up. You’ve got moxie, too! Bucketloads of the stuff!
So, if you want to be known as the "John McClane of Spelling," it’s time for you to lean into the mic and decide if “zucchini” is spelled with one “c” or two.
You ask for your word to be used in a sentence to stall for a little more time as you take another sip of Schnitzky hefeweizen, which may just provide you with the liquid inspiration you’re looking for. It couldn’t hurt, right?
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While the scenario I presented may ratchet up the drama a wee bit, the nuts and bolts of it is precisely the situation one is likely to encounter at “Brew N’ Bee III: Spell Harder!”, an adult spelling bee (ages 21 and older) event taking place in partnership between Manitowoc Public Library and PetSkull Brewing Company as part of MPL’s Summer Reading Program.
All the action takes place starting at 6 p.m. July 19 at PetSkull Brewing Company, 1015 Buffalo St.
This year’s Bee will take the orthographic action outside to PetSkull’s lovely beer garden for a more expansive atmosphere from which the spelling shenanigans can transpire.
Here are five things you need to know about “Brew ‘N Bee III: Spell Harder.”
1. There is a $20 entry fee to participate in 'Spell Harder!'
Here’s what you get for that $20 fee:
Two pints of amazing PetSkull beer (or soda/water if you prefer; the choice is yours).
A certificate of participation suitable either for framing or using as a placemat for your brews the night of the Bee.
A chance to score fabulous prizes as one of the Top 3 finishers with an amazing trophy — generously donated by Manitowoc Trophy — going to the champion. Also, a “very special” prize will go to the first person eliminated from the competition.
A shot at glory, because bragging rights, perhaps, is the greatest prize of all!
Payment (cash or check only) must be made at PetSkull Brewing Company prior to the start of “Spell Harder” on July 19.
There is no fee to attend the Brew ‘N Bee as a spectator. Cheer, boo, enjoy a coupla brews!
2. This adults-only competition is a 'funraiser' for Friends of Manitowoc Public Library.
While the $20 fee makes this a self-sustaining event, any funds raised once we have all the operating costs covered will be donated to the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library, an organization that immeasurably assists in transforming good ideas into beneficial programming at MPL.
While the donation we generate with the Bee doesn’t rise to the level of an actual fundraiser, it does demonstrate that you can have an incredibly fun time and still do a bit of good for a worthy cause.
However, that donation amount rises decently when Bee participants indulge in the purchase of “Cheats” (see Point 3).
3. If you misspell a word, you’re out. Unless ...
“Brew N’ Bee III: Spell Harder!” is a single-elimination event. In other words, if you spell a word wrong, you’re out!
However, “Cheats” (such as “Ask a Friend,” “Trade-A-Word,” “5 Seconds with Your Phone,” “Rewind a Word” or a flat-out mulligan) will be available for purchase on a cash-only basis before the competition begins.
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Don’t get caught in a spelling flubberooski without having a cheat or two (or five!) ready to be put into play in your back pocket!
4. PetSkull Brewing is an ideal spot for conversation, camaraderie and shenanigans.
When it came to picking a venue to host a competitively-friendly adult spelling bee, we couldn’t have a better partner than PetSkull.
The focus of this excellent microbrewery is twofold:
Produce a superior product.
Create an establishment known for generating unparalleled camaraderie. It’s this communal aspect with a focus on drawing people into closer contact with one another that really appealed to us. In the pre-pandemic era, we organized two successful bees before COVID-19 forced a hiatus. Now, it’s time to "Unleash the Bee" once again!
Fortunately, PetSkull’s owners — the unexpectedly soft-spoken, yet shockingly limber, Paul Hoffman, and his sasstastic wife, Kathi Hoffman — were on board for partnering for this third go-round.
5. Registration is required for Brew N’ Bee III: Spell Harder!
Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/brew-n-bee3 for all the details and to secure your place in the Bee.
Space is limited, but several spots remain open.
Sign up now before the maximum amount of competitors has been reached!
Tim Gadzinski is marketing associate at Manitowoc Public Library.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc library spelling bee at PetSkull Brewing adds beer drinking
