Saturday's weather forecast looks very chili

How many oyster crackers does it take to soak up 1,500 gallons of chili? You may find out if you head over to the annual Board of Water and Light Chili Cook-off at Adado Riverfront Park on Saturday.

Organizers say that´s how much chili will be dished out between 4 and 9 p.m. Approximately 50 different kinds of chili are scheduled to be served, ranging from hot to mild to wild. Soft drinks, beer and other alcoholic beverages will also be available, but the popular Duck Derby is not being held this time around.

Last year´s winners included Texas Roadhouse (for best restaurant chili and best meatless chili), Jackson National Life (for best corporate chili and hottest chili), Lansing Educators (for best amateur chili) and Red Robin (which won the People´s Choice award for best overall chili). 

This year´s theme is “Rockin’ the ‘80s”; bands were still to be announced last week.

Proceeds from the event benefit Impression 5 Science Center/Adopt A River, HOPE Scholarship Connections Program and the Sparrow Foundation.

BWL Chili Cook-off

4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 2

Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing

(along the Grand River between Shiawassee and Saginaw Streets and across campus from Lansing Community College)

$8 adults; $3 children 6-12

www.lbwl.com/cookoff2012_home.asp