What is the lithosphere? What are stalagmites? What country gave America the Statue of Liberty?

If you can answer the above questions correctly, you may be able to give  fifth graders a run for their money and ready to participate in the second annual “Are You Smarter Than a 10-Year-Old?” competition.

The event is based on the popular game show, “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Ten teams of three will gather at the Lakeview Center on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. to square off.

Teachers will select questions from the curriculum that their students are currently learning to test the smarts of competitors.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to R.E.A.D., Inc. (Reading, Education Association of Dawson County) to fund its literacy efforts, particularly improving the literacy skills of entire families in Dawson County. Last year’s event raised $8,400. “This money will go to making Dawson County a literate community, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens,” said Sue Tennant, executive director of R.E.A.D., Inc.

“We are committed to promoting literacy in this county. This is just a fun way to raise money for this vital cause,” said Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.

Besides the game show, the event will also feature a live auction, in which four lower-level tickets and a parking pass to the Nov. 29 Georgia Tech vs. University of Georgia game will be up for grabs.

Plus, local favorites and brothers Levi, Lance and Logan Walls, who currently all three play on the Georgia Tech football team, will be present and will be assisting with the auction.  

All 26 letters of the alphabet were sold to local businesses for $300 a piece. At the event, whichever letter is drawn from the raffle, a $1,000 college scholarship will be given to a Dawson County High School student in the winner’s name. 

The Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville, will host the event.

Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children (5-years and older), and a maximum of $14 per family. All ticket holders will qualify for some great door prizes.

Businesses or groups participating in the “Are You Smarter Than a 10-Year-Old?” are: First Citizens Bank, Dawson County Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, City of Dawsonville, Dawson County Government Administration, Dawson County Woman’s Club, Dawson County Commissioners, Appalachian Community Bank and the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.

Each team donated $500 dollars to participate in the event. 

“Literacy is one of the early components of a successful education. And it’s not just about education anymore, but continuing education. By improving the literacy of families, we’re improving their quality of life. This event is for our families in Dawsonville. We encourage everyone to come and join us for fun and to support literacy,” said Williams.

For more information about the event, call the chamber office at (706) 265-6278.