The following article was written by Tim Gadzinski, a Marketing Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Comparing the citizenry of the United States to a “Melting Pot” is a rather peculiar analogy, in my opinion.
Don’t get me wrong—I understand why the metaphor is in place. Since we Americans are a disparate lot that blend together to create a new, unique whole. However, it sort of renders the lot of us into an amorphous blob, which runs rather contrary to the popular opinion of a population that prides itself on proud individualism.
Myself, I’m rather partial to the “Salad” comparison. With this conglomeration, we’re still all tossed together to create something unique, yet this time, we retain our individuality. We’re all—vegetably-speaking—a bowlful of tomatoes and carrots and cucumbers and shredded cheese and croutons and sunflower seeds et al. that create a greater whole than our separate identities. Plus, we’re united together with a special sauce. And who doesn’t love special sauce?
You’re probably wondering at this point why the Marketing Guy from the Library is waxing poetic (or at least attempting to) about salad. Well, I’ll tell you. Because this year’s “Brew ‘N Bee—A Spelling Bee for Adults” is on the horizon. And you can’t really have a spelling bee in America without calling American English into play.
So, while we think of our version of English as being its own unique thing—which it unquestionably is or it wouldn’t be so difficult to master—it’s really a specialized unification that has been cobbled together over time by incorporating words from an array of other far-flung languages—Spanish, French, Hindi, Portuguese, German, Italian, Sanskrit, Latin, Greek, and on and on!
As such, especially seeing as it’s the 250th Anniversary of the country which we call home, it seems only apt that we celebrate and have some fun with this American Amalgamation that we call our Mother Tongue. You’ll be surprised at how many words we use on The Regular that originated in far-flung places. And you may learn a new word or two along the way, as well.
It’s with a fairly large dollop of pride for me to announce the swarming of “Brew ‘N Bee VI: From Bee to Shining Bee!” How remarkable is it that MPL and PetSkull Brewing have joined forces a total of six times to bring forth a competition the likes of which the Lakeshore had never seen before? Because on Wednesday, July 22, “From Bee to Shining Bee!” 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!
PetSkull is the ideal spot to hold a competitively-friendly adult spelling bee as the focus at this excellent microbrewery is twofold: 1) They produce a superior product, and 2) 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 astonishing aspect of These Bees. Because the audience has become nearly as active a participant in the proceedings as the contestants have. And it’s 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 VI: From Bee to Shining Bee!” 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 prior to the competition the night of The Bee. 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 once they’ve been officially eliminated. Zounds!
Space is Limited, so head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/brew-n-bee-vi to register and for all the details! PLEASE NOTE: there is a $20 contestant fee associated with this event and payment must be made at PetSkull Brewing Company (cash or check only) prior to the start of “From Bee to Shining Bee!” on July 22.
In case you were wondering where the monies collected during the Brew ‘N Bee VI 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 S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R!?!?!
Here’s what you get for that $20 participation 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 a mind-boggling Manitowoc Trophy 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-vi! Should you have any questions regarding “Brew N’ Bee VI,” 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 good old-fashioned horse sense!
