It was a Wicoff family wipeout at the first-ever Allen County Fair spelling bee.
The bee was begun at the behest of Lisa Wicoff, who “thought it would be fun,” she said. Wicoff had been to a similar bee at the Kansas State Fair, she noted.
She hoped that local nursing homes would bring bus loads of residents to compete, but it was the 9-to-12 year olds who outnumbered all other contestants Tuesday evening.
In all, 15 competitors in three age classes tried their skills against a list of words presented by three judges. Another half dozen spectators watched.
Henry Wicoff, 7, won the 5-to-8 year old class; Isaiah Wicoff topped the 9-to-12 year olds and Lisa Wicoff took the 13 and over level.
At the end of the event, the Wicoffs faced each other in a friendly family showdown where Henry beat his parents and siblings.
Still, no one really lost. All contestants in the event received a candy bar and soft drink for their efforts.
Bee spells f-u-n at fair
