Relax for a Spell and Bee Good

They will put a spell on you.

Twenty-five teams of three spellers will compete for bragging rights, and a $300 cash prize, during the Grafton Education Alliance Community Spelling Bee, to be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at

Admission is free. The alliance raises money through team entry fees, sponsorships and food sales.

The teams will give their best shot at spelling words during the competition. The event will start with five rounds of five teams, with the winning team progressing until the final team is crowned.

Last year’s event drew 18 teams, said Debne Marlette, president of the alliance.

“We’re thrilled with 25,’’ she said. “We think it’s a good representation of the spellers in Grafton.’’

Study guides are handed out to team members prior to the competition, and some do take it seriously, she said.

For most, though, “the focus is on the fun,’’ she said. “It’s all in good fun.’’

In addition to the winning cash award, prizes are also awarded to the teams with most team spirit, most original team names and most distinguishing team look.

Proceeds benefit the alliance, which Marlette describes as “an independent voice for education in Grafton.’’ The alliance sponsors workshops, gives out scholarships and tries to “fill holes’’ that the budget cannot cover.

For more information on the alliance, visit www.graftoneducation.org.