Spicy servings of chili will bubble and make mouths water during Friday’s 2002 Down-By-The-River Chili Cook-Off .

The event will feature more than 40varieties of chili supplied by different restaurants and organizations.

The cook-off will be held from 5-9 p.m. along the Riverwalk near the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.

“It is just a fun event and there is a chance to taste the cuisine of the different restaurants in the area,” said Karem Frieter, spokeswoman for the Lansing Board of Water and Light.

The board is among a long list of sponsors for the event.

People can sample the savory soups buy paying a $5 cover charge with proceeds going to the Adopt-A-River program.

The charity promotes cleaning trash and pollution out of local waterways such as the Grand and Red Cedar rivers.

Even the chili is donated, Frieter said.

BD’s Mongolian Barbeque, 2080 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos,is one of the chili contributors for the cook-off.

The restaurant will have a special stir-fry type of chili on hand to sample.

“We are always excited to be involved with the community,” general manager Russ Klont said. “It’ll be great outside and a good day to eat chili.”