Attention Amateur Chiliheads!
For the first time ever, the Lansing Board of Water & Light is opening its annual BWL Chili Cook-off to amateur “chiliheads". Contestants will vie for the chance to compete in the Big Event – the BWL Chili Cook-off on Friday, June 13. A maximum of 50 contestants will be allowed to compete in the April 19 tryouts. Judges will select 13 finalists to go the BWL Chili Cook-off.
The deadline for entering the Amateur Chilihead Tryouts is April 4.
Here are other details:
- On Saturday April 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Lansing Board of Water & Light will host a preliminary cook-off at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing.
- There is a $25 entry fee, with all fees split equally between two non-profits: The HOPE Scholarship Program and Impression 5 Science Center.
- A maximum of 50 entrants will compete in the April 19th preliminary cook-off. First come, first serve. The entry deadline is April 4.
- A panel of judges will rate everyone’s chili.
- The 13 highest-scoring entrants win the chance to compete at the June 13 BWL Chili Cook-off.
- Winners going to the June 13 BWL Chili Cook-off must agree to bring 40 gallons of chili, prepared in advance, to the event. The chili for the June 13 event must be prepared in a licensed kitchen. NOTE: The BWL will attempt to help contestants find licensed kitchens as well as sponsors to defray the cost of making the chili.
- Entrants must confirm their participation by April 4 by contacting BWL Communications Director Mark Nixon. Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail.
- To contact Mark Nixon: e-mail: mdn@lbwl.com
- For the April 19th preliminary cook-off, each contestant is required to bring one electric crockpot of chili, already prepared. NOTE: Propane or other non-electric heating devices are not allowed inside the Lansing Center.
- The BWL will provide electrical outlets, cups, spoons, etc. for the judging.
- Chili judges will score each entry on a 1-5 basis, with 5 being the best.
- Reminder: We are limiting the number of contestants for the April 19 preliminary chili cook-off to 50. Thirteen finalists will head to the “Big Dance” on June 13.
Tryout Application