COAL GROVE- "It's been like this all day long," Lawrence County MRDD Superintendent Paul Mollett said as he surveyed the crowd yesterday afternoon at Tri-State Industries. "There's been a big crowd here all day. It's just been great." Mollett said he was pleased with the turnout for the fourth annual MRDD Chilifest, the final event capping MRDD month in Lawrence County.

The event brought out a steady stream of one-day-only culinary critics, and 26 entrants hoping to take home one of four awards that were handed out at the end of the day.

The chili recipes ranged from mild to spicy to hot, with a couple of unusual takes on an old favorite.

"It's got chicken, white beans and cheese," said Mark Cross, general manager of Rocco's On The Plaza in Ashland, Ky., Cross said Rocco's entry was an original recipe by the restaurant's chef, Heinz Tschannen. This was Rocco's On The Plaza's first time participating in the MRDD Chili Fest. Cross said since he became manager of the Ashland eatery, he has become aware of the strength of Lawrence County's MRDD program because he has hired several MRDD clients.

"This one obviously does a great job for its clients," Cross said. "I feel like they're doing an important service."

In addition to the food, a crafts mall was set up in a nearby room and live entertainment performed outside.

At the end of the afternoon, Oak Ridge Treatment Center in Pedro took the prize for best chili in the Business/Organization category, sponsored by Ironton Publications.

The Ironton Tribune took the award for best chili in the Media category, sponsored by Citi Financial of Ironton.

This was the third consecutive year Tribune News Clerk Debbie Childers won the award. In the Consumers/ Families and Staff category, sponsored by Kroger of Russell, Ky., the award went to Amy Chaffin.

Judges for the those three categories were Lawrence County Commissioners Doug Malone and Jason Stephens and Lawrence County Juvenile Probate Judge David Payne.

The Knights of Columbus won the People's Choice Award, the honor selected by chilifest patrons.

Like the other events, Chili Fest is part of a public awareness campaign on the place of all people in society.

"I think we've accomplished our goal of making people aware this month of what we do and what people with MRDD are capable of doing," Mollett said.