GLENWOOD SPRINGS — When you think “spelling bee,” what do you see?
Maybe you picture a stuttering youngster, desperately trying to spell out “Mississippi” or “conscientious.”

At the Hotel Colorado, tonight is the night to wipe those images from your mind. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the spelling competition starting at 6:30.

Spellabration has been a valley staple for more than 20 years. First off, it’s aimed at
adults. This year, of its 26 teams of three players, only three feature teenagers.
Second, even bad spellers can find victory here, for a price. “Word passes” start at
$25 and increase in cost throughout the night. Those rolling in dough may purchase
a little assistance, in the form of a “Spelling helper” for $50 and more. Entry price is
set at $225. And if this all sounds a little money-centric, that’s just because it is.
Spellabration is Literacy Outreach’s biggest fundraiser of the year, after all.

“It’s really a lot of fun,” laughed LO director Martha Fredendall, “which is kind of a
strange thing to say, if you ask me.”

Even though the evening revolves around public speaking and spelling, people get
into it, she said. Like years past, those not on the spelling block may hang around
and watch the craziness or cast bids in a silent auction. This year’s prizes include
such glamorous items as a seven night stay at a London flat and cooking lessons, as
taught by Carbondale chef and restaurateur Mark Fischer.

According to Fredendall, the events will take place in one groovy room, transformed
to invoke this year’s theme: The 1960s. Participants and onlookers alike are
encouraged to dress the part.

“It’s fun, fun, fun,” said Fredendall. “But they (the participants) take the spelling really
seriously — even if they can buy their way to the top.”

Contact Stina Sieg: 384-9111ssieg@postindependent.com







Post Independent Glenwood Springs CO Colorado