The following article was written by Tim Gadzinski. Attached, the Marketing Associate and Programming Coordinator at the Manitowoc Public Library.
It’s nearly impossible to imagine that it was more than eight years ago that Margo, my coworker at Manitowoc Public Library, approached me about creating a spelling bee for adults locally after having read about one being done as a fundraiser in Portland. I thought that it was a phenomenal idea, but had no idea where we’d stage it. Until I walked into PetSkull Brewing Co, LLC, for the first time, that is. The boisterous atmosphere overflowing with camaraderie and shenaniganning immediately informed me that if an adult spelling bee were going to happen in The 54220 that this was where it would happen.
But, before that first word was handed out, I probably was going to have to introduce myself to the owner. As it turned out, said owner—Paul Hoffman—took care of that for me.
“Are you Tim Gadzinski,” he inquired as I bellied-up to the bar.
“I am,” I replied, trying hard to appear unconcerned that he knew who I was before I had even ordered one of his handcrafted brews.
“Your mom was my Second Grade teacher at St. Andrews. She was my favorite teacher ever,” he said with a smile, ending the mystery instantly.
“Very cool. Nice to meet you!”
Paul and I pretty much became friends instantly. And that was the last intelligent conversation that we ever had.
With an amazing amount of self-restraint, I waited a couple of weeks to ask about The Bee. Fortunately, when I did the disarmingly-subtle and shockingly limber, Paul Hoffman, and his sasstastic wife, Kathi—were on-board for partnering. The initial Brew N’ Bee was so much fun that talk about the second one began almost immediately after the first one concluded. And who would’ve thought that this raucous orthographic scrum would travel from North 9th Street to PetSkull’s new digs on Buffalo Street when they picked up and moved operations?
Still, it’s pretty remarkable that MPL and PetSkull Brewing have joined forces a total of five times to bring forth a competition the likes of which the Lakeshore has never seen before. Because on Wednesday, July 23, “Brew ‘N Bee V: Unleash the Hive!” takes center stage at the Outdoor Beer Garden at PetSkull at 6 PM. And we’d advise everyone to hold on to their Schnitzkies because this one is going to be epic!
Tim Gadzinski
PetSkull is the ideal spot to hold a competitively-friendly adult spelling bee as the focus at this excellent microbrewery is twofold: they produce a superior product and they have created an establishment known for generating unparalleled gemütlichkeit. It’s this communal aspect with a focus on drawing people into closer contact with one another that we truly find appealing.
This feeling of community has led to what is possibly the most unexpectedly astonishing aspect of These Bees as they have evolved. Because the audience has become nearly as active a participant in the proceedings as the contestants. And its not just the hootin’ and hollerin’! It’s their unrestrained urge to talk back to the judges (and, occasionally, the contestants) that adds a ton of energy to the intelligent tomfoolery. If I wasn’t being full-throatedly heckled from time-to-time during The Bee, I’d be concerned that people weren’t having as much fun as they should!
So, here’s the skinny. “Brew N’ Bee V: Unleash the Hive!” is a Single Elimination event. In other words, if you spell a word wrong, you’re out! However, “Cheats” (such as “Ask a Friend,” “Trade-A-Word,” “5 Seconds with Your Phone” or a flat-out Mulligan) will be available for purchase on a cash-only basis before the competition begins. Then there’s Champion Check. It costs a bit more than the other Cheats, but it also provides the purchaser with the possibility of advancing to the Championship Round after you’ve been officially eliminated. Zounds!
Space is Limited, so head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/brew-n-bee-v to register and for all the details! PLEASE NOTE: there is a $20 participation fee associated with this event and payment must be made at PetSkull Brewing Company (cash or check only) prior to the start of “Unleash the Hive” on July 23.
In case you were wondering where the monies collected during the Brew ‘N Bee V are headed, please be aware that this is a fundraising event for the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library. Once we recoup our minimal operating costs, everything Bee-related that we bring-in will be donated to the Friends of MPL—all participant fees, all Cheat sales. The whole 9 Yards! And PetSkull isn’t taking a penny for the participant’s beverages. They’re donating it all back to the Friends. Can you spell A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
Here’s what you get for that $20 fee: two pints of amazing PetSkull beer (or soda/water if you prefer), a Certificate of Participation suitable either for framing or using as a XXXL Coaster for your Brews the night of the Bee, a shot at glory, and a chance to score fabulous prizes as one of the Top 3 finishers, with an amazing trophy generously donated by Manitowoc Trophy going to the Champion. Also, a “Very Special” prize will go to the first person eliminated from the competition!
Registration is open NOW at www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/brew-n-bee-v! Should you have any questions regarding “Brew N’ Bee V,” please feel free to contact me at tgadzinski@manitowoc.com. There’s a very solid chance that I’ll have the info that you’re seeking.
Because let’s be honest—you can’t win a spelling bee if you don’t register to spell! That’s just science!
