Spelling Bee fun Saturday

Finishing touches are nearly in place for a series of Saturday fundraisers that promises plenty of F-U-N for participants and spectators alike.
The inaugural Bee for the Arts caps the day at Iola High School, in which at least seven teams will partake in the adult spelling bee.
“Our goal was to have 10 teams, and we have seven,” said IHS drama instructor Regina Chriestenson. “We’re pretty happy with the response.”
Teams of up to five members each will compete for the trophy. Members encouraged to work together before coming up with their responses.
Each team will be given three balloons. A misspelled word pops a balloon.
“Pop the three balloons and you’re out,” Chriestenson said, “although teams are welcome to ‘buy’ additional balloons if they wish. It is a fundraiser, after all.”
Prizes will go to the top spelling team, as well as the team with the best “bee-themed” costume.
Clara Wicoff, three-time state spelling bee champion, will serve as the “beemaster” and host.
The spelling bee begins at 7 o’clock and will follow a 5:30 dinner, available for free-will donations and a 6:30 improv acting show featuring Iola High thespians.
Earlier in the day, a 30-family rummage sale — with more than 6,000 donated items (and counting) — kicks off at 7 a.m. at the Iola Middle School commons area.
Proceeds will go to a pair of upcoming drama-related events.
Iola High forensics team members Trilby Bannister and Catherine Venter have qualified for a national competition in Florida May 23-25.
The goal is to raise at least $3,500 to fully fund the trip, Chriestenson said.
“We’re really hoping Saturday is enough to cover all of it,” she said. “We’ve received a few donations already.”
In addition, proceeds will go to the upcoming Little Oscars celebration — in which the IHS drama season is recapped — May 16 at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. This year’s is the 50th annual Little Oscars event, with several special surprises featuring former students and instructors planned.
For more information on any of the events, or to register a team — cost is $50 — contact Regina Chriestenson at regina.chriestenson@usd257.org, or Wicoff at clara.wicoff@usd257.org.