Can You Spell Success? Sign Up For Orland's Spelling Bee And See

ORLAND PARK, IL — A Orland Park tradition returns in October when the Presbyterian Church of Orland Park and the Village of Orland Park co-host the 41st annual Orland Park Open Spelling Bee.

Retired School Superintendent Bill Smith, who has has led the annual contest for more than four decades, will return to oversee the bee this year. He credits Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” for prompting the idea of a community wide spelling bee.

"In the story, they had an all town spelling bee in 1882 in the Dakota Territory. I held my first spelling bee during our nation's bi-centennial in Oak Lawn in 1976 and have held more than 100 since then," Smith said in a statement.

Orland Park village officials serve as judges for the contest each year.

“This is a nice, old-fashioned community event that attracts spellers of all ages from throughout the region,” said Trustee Kathy Fenton in a statement. “We invite everyone who enjoys spelling to compete --- age 8 and older from all towns.”

Those ages 8-10 begin at 2 p.m., followed by age 11 through high school at 2:45 p.m. Adults join in at 3:30 p.m., with the awards at 4:30 p.m.

Winners are determined according to age groups with 12 trophies and 24 medals presented. First-, second- and third-place trophies are awarded for four categories, three divided according to age, and the fourth category of overall winners.

There is no charge to participate. However, preregistration is strongly encouraged. The competition is open to everyone age 8 through their senior years, and participants need not live in Orland Park. Trophies will be awarded to top finishers.

Participants can register via email by writing to pcorland@gmail.com. Include the name of the speller, home address, phone number, age and school attending. Or participants may register by phone by calling the church at 708-448-8142 or Smith at 708-645-2061.

The spelling bee will be held Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Presbyterian Church at 13401 Wolf Road in Orland Park.