LANSING – Putting a new twist on one of its longtime annual traditions, the Lansing Board of Water & Light announced today that it is moving its annual BWL Chili Cook-off to the fall rather than holding it on the traditional first Friday in June.
This year, the 21st annual edition of the popular community event will take place Friday, Oct. 7, from 5:30-9 p.m. at Adado Riverfront Park near downtown Lansing.
While most other aspects of the cook-off will remain the same – including its location, format and role as fundraiser for Lansing-area nonprofits – the new date is intended to better accommodate the schedules of attendees, including area college students and families.
It also is at a time of year that is more commonly considered “chili weather,” said Dick Peffley, Board of Water & Light CEO.
Appropriate for the new date, the theme of this year’s event is football-related: The Chili Bowl.
“As any football tailgater knows, there’s nothing like digging into a hot bowl of chili on a crisp fall day,” Peffley said. “At the same time, early October weather is typically temperate enough so that Chili Cook-off attendees can comfortably enjoy being outdoors.”
The event’s centerpiece will be more than 40 vendors – including local restaurants, nonprofits, businesses and organizations – dishing out a variety of chili and salsa recipes from mild to spicy-hot. Participants will be awarded prizes in a number of categories, such as People’s Choice Best Chili, Best Meatless Chili and Best Salsa.
Local musicians will provide the live entertainment. The event will also feature community involvement opportunities, a merchandise tent and the annual chili dog-eating contest. Last year’s winner downed seven dogs.
Proceeds from this year’s Chili Cook-Off will benefit the Sparrow Foundation, Impression 5 Science Center and the H.O.P.E. Scholarship Program.
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