A Drunken Spelling Bee for Adults
These grown-ups know how to spell D-R-I-N-K
If you still use mental tricks to spell certain words (there is “a rat” in “separate,” for example), you’d best stear clear of the Williamsburg Spelling Bee, held every other Monday at Pete’s Candy Store, the trendy venue more famous for hosting musical acts. At this grown-up’s answer to the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, 18 contestents dig deep into their mental dictioneries to crush the compitition – while drinking in one of Brooklyn’s coolest back rooms.
Founded by Bobby Blue and hosted by Jennifer Dziura, a self-described “math geek and grammar enforcer,” this caberet-style event has been testing and teasing word nerds for more than five years. Unlike those ballbusters at Scripps, Blue and Dziura have a “kinder and gentler three strikes-you’re-out policy.” That doesn’t mean they’re pushovers. Even given three tries, could you spell “ablutionary” and “emollient”? How about when you’re feeling a little tipsy?
Season 12 of the Bee just started, but it’s not too late to jump into the game. Competitions are held twice a month and the top three competitors of each round receive bar tab prizes and the opportunity to return for the finals on December 6. Be there and be square.
(Psst – how many mispelled words do you see? If it’s not six, just stay home and “read” Where’s Waldo.)
The next Williamsburg Spelling Bee will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, September 27 at Pete’s Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, (718) 302-3770; Signup starts at 7 P.M. and is usually full by 7:20; There is no cover charge.
