Town of Banff

Spelling Bee & Trivia Challenge

The annual Jon Whyte Spelling Bee and Trivia Challenge is one of the favourite Winter Festival events among Banff locals.

The 2010 Spelling Bee takes place Tuesday January 26th, 7 - 9 p.m. at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

It will be the 20th annual challenge, as up to 12 teams, six brainy competitors to a team, attempt to spell tricky words like cachinnate and maieutic, as well as come up with answers to difficult trivia questions that often have a local angle.

The Spelling Bee began in 1991 as an idea hatched by local luminary Jon Whyte. Jon was recognized as one of Canada's leading poets. His writings and lectures inspired writers, colleagues, and the public to reflect on heritage and its relationship to contemporary life.

With the Spelling Bee and Trivia Challenge, Jon wanted to add a bit of cerebral fun to the calendar of Winter Festival, which was still known as Winter Carnival in those days. The event is held at the institution established by Jon Whyte's family, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, in downtown Banff.

To register, volunteer or for further information please call 403.762.2291 ext. 325.