Lansing artist creates his 10th annual poster for the BWL Chili Cook-off

Lansing artist and graphics designer Christopher Van Wyck has created yet another limited edition poster to commemorate the Lansing Board of Water & Light Chili Cook-off.

This marks the tenth consecutive year that Van Wyck, Creative Director for CiesaDesign in Lansing’s Old Town, has created a special poster to honor the chili cook-off.

The 2010 chili cook-off poster reflects the BWL’s 125th anniversary year with a whimsical, old-fashioned baseball theme. The tagline – a play off both baseball and chili – is “Bring the Heat.”

Friday, June 4 will mark the BWL’s 15th annual chili cook-off. This year’s theme is “Back in the Day.”

“Chris Van Wyck has hit another home run with this year’s BWL Chili Cook-off poster,” said BWL General Manager J. Peter Lark. “There is no doubt that each of his creations are true labors of love, because Chris has designed each poster on his own, free of charge.

“That is a tremendous showing of commitment to our community, and to our chili cook-off, which has become the BWL’s signature community event.”

The signed, numbered, limited-edition posters are given to chili cook-off sponsors and contestants, as well as vendors who support the event. The posters have become recognizable fixtures in many Lansing-area restaurants and businesses, and are considered collectors items by local poster and chili cook-off enthusiasts.

“The BWL Chili Cook-off has become a premier summer festival,” Van Wyck said. “I’m proud to be able to contribute to this excellent event.”

The 15th Annual BWL Chili Cook-off runs from 5 p.m. to 9

p.m. Friday, June 4 in Adado Riverfront Park.

More than 30 restaurants and organizations will serve up hundreds of gallons of chili as they vie for honors and “best chili in town” bragging rights.

Vintage automobiles from Lansing’s past will be on display, and cook-off competitors will decorate booths and don costumes representing various decades from the past 125 years.

As always, proceeds go to local charities and non-profit organizations. This years proceeds go to: Impression Five Science Center/Adopt A River, HOPE Scholarship Program, and the Sparrow Foundation.

Other details:

• Advance ticket sales: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6
• 12. Tickets can be purchased at the BWL Customer Service Center, 1232 Haco Drive, Lansing; Cooley Law School Stadium; the new City Market, and on the BWL Website.
• Tickets at the gate: $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12.
• Competition: Awards will be given to competitors in several categories, including best chili, best booth and a “People’s Choice” award. Celebrity chili judges are: State Rep. Joan Bauer, Lansing City Council members A’lynne Robinson, Kathie Dunbar and Derrick Quinney; WLNSTV Anchors Sheri Jones and Dave Ackerly; and TalkLansing.net radio personalities Walt Sorg and Jim Fordyce.

 

For more details about the 15th annual BWL Chili Cook-off, visit our website.

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