Warm up with chili

Wednesday, June 1 — Pay no attention to the weather forecast: One way or another, downtown Lansing will be hot on Saturday.

That's when the Lansing Board of Water & Light holds its 16th annual Chili Cook-Off in Adado Riverfront Park, featuring live music, rides on a mechanical bull and the 3rd Annual Duck Derby, in which 1,000 toy ducks will race down the Grand River. Photographer Karrah Keller will be there to take Old West-style family portraits (she'll provide the costumes, in case your 10-gallon hat is at the cleaners).

The event begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, and raises money for the Sparrow Foundation, the HOPE Scholarship Fund and Impression 5's Adopt A River program.

The Cook-Off also hands out Gold, Silver and Bronze Ladles to competing chefs in such categories as best restaurant chili; best amateur chili; best corporate chili; best meatless chili; most creative chili name; and the Mo' Hotter Mo' Better — Hottest Chili Award. BWL estimates that over 1,000 gallons of chili are consumed during each Cook-Off.

Advance tickets are $5 for 13 and over; $3 for kids 12 and under; and free for those under 5. Prices at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for under 12. Advance tickets are available through the BWL website or from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at the BWL Customer Service Center at 1232 Haco Drive in Lansing.