It seems like spelling bees are popular nowadays – recently we talked about the D.C. Bee spelling bee for adults, and before that there was the documentary “Spellbound” and the Starbucks tie-in movie “Akeelah and the Bee.”

But today the World Series of spelling bees kicked off, and right in our backyard. The first round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee started earlier today in D.C., with the second round set for this afternoon and the final rounds tomorrow. And just like seemingly all big events nowadays, the spelling bee had days of activities before the competition — a (probably awkward) pizza party for the contestants, a barbecue on the Mall, a 5K run, sightseeing and a reception for the 275 fourth through eighth graders and their families.

Unfortunately for those hoping to see some live spelling, spectators are not allowed in the auditorium. However, the final rounds will be shown on ESPN and ABC tomorrow, with the final live on ABC at 8 p.m. Has anybody run into any white polo shirt-wearing kids with nametags on the Metro? We hope the “Doorker” and “Sumpnspicious” ads don’t throw them off.