The word is occasion. Occasion,a particular time, especially as marked by certain circumstances or occurrences: They met on three occasions. Again, the word is occasion.

Such is the beginning of the spelling bee season.

The Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association along with the Hopkinton Education Foundation have teamed together to bring the fourth annual spelling bee to town, and no, it doesn't buzz and sting.

The event, which will take place on November 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hopkins School Cafetorium, is co-chaired by Stephanie Whelan and Maureen Belger.

"This is an annual event," Whelan said. "It is the only town event that involves everyone from Kindergarteners to senior citizens."

All monies raised will benefit the Hopkinton Public Schools.

"This is consensus spelling," Belger said. "The teams are made up of three people and everyone gets a say. The final word is a consensus of all involved, but only the team captain can speak to the judges."

That way, an editor, for example, wouldn't feel bad about misspelling a word like misspelled because she is one of three team members.

The mini bee, an offshoot of the spelling bee, is for kids in Kindergarten through fifth grade. This event will take place in tandem with the spelling bee.

"All that participate at this level get a token prize for entering." Whelan explained, " Any child who spells all of the words correctly gets their name put in a hat for the grand prize of a book, movie or other prize."

The committee is still seeking adult spellers, volunteers and contributors. All must be on the books by Oct. 14.

"This is a great way to bring the community together, " Belger said.

The goal is 25 teams of three or 75 spellers. You can sponsor for any amount of money from $25 up to $3,000. The Big Honey Bee Sponsor this year is last year's winner. They are Star Realty.

You can also be a team sponsor for as little as $30. Sponsoring a non-profit is also an option.

The goal is to dethrone last year's spelling king, Seth Lipkin from the Star Realty Team, and bring home the coveted bee trophy.

"He (Lipkin) is a champion Scrabble player," Whelan said. " I think he is just full of words."

The goal is to raise $10,000.00 up from the $8,000,00 of 2009, but this is only possible if more teams compete.

"The money raised will go back to the schools for things like IPads, ITouches and other innovative programs," Whelan said.

Admission the night of the event is $5 and all are welcome.

The gym will be open for younger children who may tire of sitting still, and concessions of pizza and ice cream will be available along with healthier snacks like water and veggies.

For more information or to throw your hat into the ring visit www.hopkintonspellingbee.info for details.

Bee there and learn how well local community members can spell. HCAM-TV will televise the event.