WESTPORT – Tickets are now available for The Westport Library’s annual crossword puzzle contest, which will take place next month and welcome New York Times crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz as host.

The 27th annual competition will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7th. Puzzle enthusiasts can participate by paying a $35 fee.

Participants are given three increasingly challenging crossword puzzles to solve within a set time limit. Three finalists are chosen to attempt a final puzzle and win the top honor in the contest. The day also features additional word games and awards for achievements such as completing a puzzle error-free.

Glen Ryan of Norwich has won the competition for the past four years.

Shortz has been the New York Times crossword editor since 1993, and the puzzle master on NPR’s Weekend Edition since 1987. The Westport event is one of two crossword competitions he hosts, alongside the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford (which he founded).

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.