20th annual event to take place at Dawson-Bryant High School

COAL GROVE — The 20th annual Chilifest and Craft Show, hosted by Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities, is set for Saturday, March 16 at Dawson-Bryant High School, and is part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March.

“For our event to be going on its 20th year is obviously a milestone that we’re proud to have reached,” Tim Nunnery, LCDD communications and resource development director, said. “Last year was one of the biggest ones that I’ve been a part of since 2010. The gymnasium was packed to the point that we discussed if we wanted to expand it for this year. So it’s special to see that the community embraces the event.”

This year’s chili competition is expected to have more than 20 different participants, and the maximum amount of craft vendors has already been reached with 26.

Doors for the craft show will open at 10 a.m. and chili will be served from 11 a.m. until the event ends at 2 p.m. Voting for winners will end at 1:15 p.m., or when ballots run out.

In addition to the Chilifest and Craft Show, other DD awareness events are also on the agenda for the month of March, including functions at the schools and speaking engagements by representatives from LCDD to local groups and agencies across the county.

“We want to educate people about who we are, what we do and our importance to the community,” Nunnery said. “We’ve already begun speaking with groups around the area and we plan to continue to do those presentations well beyond the month of March.”

March is celebrated as DD Awareness Month to recognize the importance of those in our community with developmental disabilities. The national initiative encourages communities to focus on what makes each individual unique and how they live life to their choosing.

“This month, we commemorate the progress in improving the lives and opportunities for people with DD and highlight accomplishments, as well as challenges, that remain in achieving full inclusion,” Julie Monroe, LCDD superintendent, said. “We continue our obligation and advocacy efforts by raising awareness of the issue, which leads to people living lives to their full potential in Lawrence County.”

LCDD serves people with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan. For more information about DD Awareness Month or the Chilifest and Craft Show, or to schedule a speaking engagement, call 740-532-7401.

 

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