EVERETT — How do you spell “sesquipedalian”?
Don’t cheat and stare at the word too long.
If you can rattle off that one correctly then you might want to consider the first-ever adult spelling bee organized by the Everett Public Library on Oct. 8 at the Everett Performing Arts Center.
The library is recruiting teams of three people for its Spelldown. It’s $100 to register a team and free to attend.
The event is being held to raise $25,000 for a new teen center at the downtown branch, said Kate Mossman, library assistant director.
There’ll be a cash bar and root beer, as well as raffle items — good ones. The Seattle novelty company Archie McPhee donated a big mystery box of goodies as one of the prizes. Kimberly-Clark of Everett promised some of its products.
They might pass out boxes of tissue to people as they drop out, Mossman said. Or, “I think it would be rad to get a case of toilet paper as a prize,” she mused.
Mossman plans to compete. Her team is called “Hawt Rollerz” and includes a couple of her roller derby buddies.
So far, there are teams signed up from every corner of the city, including the Everett School District, Everett Transit and a group of parents from the north end of town.
The Herald, which is a sponsor of the event, is also fielding a team.
The winners get a gigantic trophy with a bee. Mossman said the library plans to put it on display.
That way, spellers can covet it before future contests.
Oh, and just in case you’re curious, “sesquipedalian” means a very long word.
Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.
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