The Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles Chambers of Commerce announced the launch of the inaugural Tri-Cities Canstruction, a large-scale community design competition that combines creativity, engineering, architecture, and philanthropy to fight hunger in the Fox Valley region.

Canstruction® is an international hunger relief charity that hosts design and build competitions featuring structures made entirely from canned food. Since its founding, Canstruction events across the world have donated millions of pounds of food to local hunger relief organizations. 

How it works: Teams made up of businesses, schools, and civic organizations, working alongside an architect, engineer, or professional contractor, will design and build structures entirely out of canned food. The structures will ultimately be built, judged and on exhibit at Waubonsee Community College’s Academic and Professional Center in Sugar Grove for public viewing. The Academic and Professional Center (APC) provides the ideal setting for the large-scale exhibit, offering expansive space and convenient accessibility for teams and visitors.

“These are not simple displays,” said Margaret Perreault, co-chair of the Tri-Cities Canstruction Steering Committee. “They are incredible works of art and engineering that also serve a powerful purpose. This project brings together creativity, collaboration, and compassion in a way that is both inspiring and impactful for our entire community.”

Structures can be up to 10 feet by 10 feet in size, with each build utilizing an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 cans. Teams will compete in a variety of judged categories including structural ingenuity, best use of labels, jurors’ favorite, and people’s choice.

The event will be free and open to the public, inviting visitors to walk through a gallery of larger-than-life canned food creations and experience the creativity, engineering, and community spirit behind each structure.

Organizers anticipate that the venue will accommodate up to 18 structures, creating a visually stunning exhibit unlike anything previously seen in the Tri-Cities area. A VIP Night will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2027. The event will open to the public on Friday, February 19, 2027.

The Tri-Cities Canstruction Steering Committee includes representatives from the Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles Chambers of Commerce, Waubonsee Community College, architects, community leaders, and local food pantry partners. The committee is currently recruiting build teams, sponsors, volunteers, and judges.

Hollywood Casino has committed as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural event.

“This initiative is about much more than canned food,” said Melinda Kintz, co-chair of the Tri-Cities Canstruction. “It is about community collaboration, awareness, innovation, and making a meaningful difference for families experiencing food insecurity. Each team will also have the opportunity to designate the local food pantry it wishes to support.”

Funds raised through Tri-Cities Canstruction will be used solely to support event-related expenses. All remaining proceeds will be donated directly to participating food pantries, along with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 food cans. No Chamber of Commerce receives financial benefit from the event.

A grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley funded the Canstruction® event application and licensing fees, allowing Tri-Cities Canstruction to become an officially sanctioned Canstruction® event.

Businesses, organizations, schools, and community groups interested in participating or sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact the Chambers for additional information or email [email protected].

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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