Teams in Thursday night's Sharon Education Foundation spelling bee can buy their way out of being stung by their first incorrect answer.

The new lifeline will be available before each round for $10 for each of the team's members, typically $30 per team, said Kathy Hershfield, who co-chairs the foundation with Dianne Needle.

The foundation's 9th annual "BEE Spellbound in Sharon" fundraiser is at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Sharon High School gymnasium.

About 30 teams will compete, Hershfield said today.

Selectman Richard Powell, Fire Chief James Wright and Sharon High Athletic Director Robert Sondheim will be this year's pronouncers.

The lifeline is among a few additions to this year's spelling bee.

Trivia questions will be asked between rounds, Hershfield said.

And the raffle has expanded, from one item to about 15 items, she said.