2026 Adult Spelling Bee

Spelling Shenanigan Returns to the Historic Marion Theatre for Third Annual Adult Spelling Bee

Free, open-to-the-public fundraiser benefits the Marion Literacy Council and ArtifyOcala’s Marion County Maker Collective (Makerspace) program — and there’s still time to help sponsor a speller

This isn’t your elementary school spelling bee. Contestants battle it out on stage while the audience becomes part of the action — cheering on their favorite spellers, sending mischievous “Helper Bees” to create hilarious distractions, donating to earn a speller an easier word, or stirring up a little friendly chaos by giving them a harder one. Fourteen local spellers will compete for the title this year, including 2025 champion Michael Novak, Esq., who returns to defend his crown.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the Marion Literacy Council alongside ArtifyOcala’s own Marion County Maker Collective program (also known as the Makerspace), which has already provided more than 1,000 free creative learning opportunities to the community.

This year’s panel includes former champion speller Megan Whittaker, local celebrity Pedro “Tito” Comas, and Matt Wardell, music director and conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Serving as word pronouncer is Turus Clutter, artist and professor at the College of Central Florida.

This year’s event is presented by Fort McCoy Ranch, who is also sponsoring speller Ryan Lily. Other supporting Sponsors: Angie Lewis State Farm (sponsoring speller Caly Bryan) and Douglas Law Firm (sponsoring speller Michael Novak, Esq.).

Additional Community Sponsors: The Martial Arts Center, ASK Wellness, LLC, Mason’s Events and Consulting, The Fiery Chef, Nosology IT, Acrisure Insurance, CinderPro, Got Schwag Promos, Deborah Pollock, Heather Mason, and HC Granite.

Community members are invited to attend, cheer on their favorite speller, and support ArtifyOcala’s mission — no ticket required. Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor, and community members hoping to compete as a speller, can find more information at artifyocala.org