GREENFIELD — Everyone is invited to enter (or watch) the city’s annual spelling bee at the Pushkin Gallery Thursday at 6 p.m.
The event is free to attend and costs $15 per team to enter to defray venue costs.
The Friends of Greenfield Public Library has held the event for the past four years as an addition to the city’s Bee Week.
The contest is open to teams of three of any age. Teams can choose their own names and participants are encouraged to wear any costume they’d like. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as to the team with the best costume.
In previous years, the contest has had about 12 teams participate. Friends board members Clarita Shaffer and Cyndie Rothschild, who conceived the event four years ago, say they hope to attract more teams this year.
Shaffer emphasized that people of all abilities are encouraged to join, as team members can serve different roles.
“Team of three? One good speller, two moral supports,” Shaffer said. “That’s what you really need. Or someone with good handwriting.”
Shaffer sees the spelling bee as a chance for the community to come together, without politics getting in the way.
“Politics in Greenfield have gotten rather contentious lately,” Shaffer said. “We would just like anybody, whoever you are, to just come and have fun. There’s nothing political involved, there’s no fundraising involved.”
Rothschild said she hopes the bee will help “spread the word about the library” as well as serve as a fun community event.
Beer, wine and a variety of snacks will be available for purchase. Magpie Woodfired Pizzeria will donate some pies to the event, Shaffer said. Friends board members are each donating raffle prizes.
To join the contest, visit the Greenfield Public Library or email fgplspellingbee@gmail.com.
Reach Grace Bird at gbird@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280.