Calling all chili lovers and cooks alike. The Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities Board is gearing up for its annual chili fest and craft show next month.

The event will be March 20 at Dawson-Bryant High School in Coal Grove.

“Typically we try to get about two dozen participants from throughout the Tri-State,” Tim Nunnery, public relations director for the board, said. “Their participation is always greatly appreciated.”

Besides the chili, the event will also have a craft show and sale. Typically people bring homemade crafts to sell.

“Those are always great,” he said.

Besides chili and crafts, there will also be face painters and games for children.

The annual event usually draws a crowd of about 2,000-2,500.

“It’s just a really good time,” he said.

The chili fest is a part of Developmental Awareness Month.

“(Developmental disabilities) is definitely a thing that affects the community,” Nunnery said. “A lot of people that do have development disabilities through out the region are in their own neighborhood. The more people that realize that the better it would be for those with developmental disabilities and challenges.”

The board is also planning a basketball game fundraiser for March 25. Teams from the Open Door School, Tri-State Industries and members of local media organizations will battle it out to raise awareness for developmental disabilities.

“We’ve done this in years past,” Nunnery said. “We usually get a pretty decent crowd.”