First annual Amateur Chilihead Tryouts Set for April 19

For the first time ever, the Lansing Board of Water & Light is opening its annual BWL Chili Cook-off to amateur "chiliheads," BWL officials announced today.

At the April 19 Amateur Chilihead Tryouts in the Lansing Center, contestants will vie for the chance to compete in The Big Event - the BWL Chili Cook-off on Friday, June 13.

In the past, competition at the BWL Chili Cook-off was restricted to restaurants, businesses and organizations.

"As our cook-off continues to grow and evolve, we thought it was natural to expand our horizons," said BWL Communications Director Mark Nixon . "It made sense to create an amateur division, so that your average chili aficionado can compete."

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.

Why 13? Because this year's cook-off is the 13 th annual event, and will be held on Friday the 13 th of June.

"Black cats, broken mirrors, Friday the 13 th . Hey, we're not superstitious!" Nixon said. "We think June 13 will be a lucky day for Lansing ."

The BWL Chili Cook-off has become one of Lansing 's signature events. Last year, nearly 10,000 people sampled thousands of gallons of chili, sang and danced along to the music of live bands - and helped raise more than $35,000 for charity.

The deadline for entering the Amateur Chilihead Tryouts is April 4. Applications and more information on the Amateur Chilihead Tryouts can be found at the cook-off Web site, www.bwlchilicookoff.com and at the BWL Web site, www.bwl.com .

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 19 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. Those finalists will not have to provide another entry fee for the June 13 event.

•  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 completing an entry form, available at www.bwlchilicookoff.com and sending it to BWL Communications Director Mark Nixon . Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail.

•  To contact Mark Nixon : e-mail: mdn@lbwl.com

Mail: Lansing Board of Water & Light, 1232 Haco Drive , Lansing , MI., 48901. For questions, call Nixon at (517) 702-6735.

•  For the April 19 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.

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