Instead of balloons the sky around Open Door School on Monday was filled with falling snow. The winter storm canceled classes and subsequently the Open Door School Balloon Launch that officially begins festivities in recognition of March being DD Awareness Month.

The balloon launch instead took place today at 9:45 a.m. at the school and Dr. Seuss Day will last throughout the day, Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Public Relations and Personnel Director Tim Nunnery said.

The Lawrence County DD Awareness Committee has several other events planned also.

“DD Awareness Month helps the community realize the importance of the developmentally disabled as part of the community,” Nunnery said. “The theme across the state this year is for the activities to focus on bringing the community together to accomplish more and look beyond others’ differences.”

Other events include a Chili Fest and Craft Show, a 5K run/walk, March Madness basketball games, a food drive and eyeglasses collection.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the success we’ve had in the past with our chili fest,” Superintendent Paul Mollett said. “By bringing people and organizations of the community together with the DD population, we can accomplish the immense task of having fun and enjoying our community as a whole.”

The Chili Fest and Craft show is scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Registration for chili entries and booth rentals for crafters is now open.

“We’re happy we’ve made the chili fest a staple of Lawrence County and gotten so many local organizations to participate,” Nunnery said. “We always have a great turnout for the festival.”

The 5K run/walk — now in its fourth consecutive year — is 9-10:30 a.m. at The Point in South Point.

The March Madness basketball games begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March18, in the Dawson-Bryant High School gym. Teams from Tri-State Industries, Open Door School, the local media and Lawrence County elected officials will compete.

The food drive and eyeglasses collection will take place at various locations throughout March and April.

A $10 cookbook will be sold at most of these events to raise money for prom, graduation and Christmas shopping by the Open Door School Boosters Club.

“In the past, funds we raise have gone back into awareness for the following year,” Nunnery said. “The events have become so successful, however, (LCBDD) is able to put funds back into the programs.”

For more information about DD Awareness Month, to purchase a cookbook, register for the 5K run/walk or Chili Fest and Craft Show call 740-532-7401.