COAL GROVE — The Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities is gearing up for the 2013 DD Awareness Month in March.

The county board will host a number of public awareness events this year and the community is encouraged to participate.

March is celebrated as DD Awareness Month to help the community understand the importance of the developmentally disabled as part of the community. The statewide theme for this year’s activities focuses on bringing the community together to accomplish more and look beyond others’ differences.

The chili fest and craft show is part of the festivities scheduled this year and is set for March 16. Registration for chili entries and booth registration for crafters are now being accepted from public particpants.

“We’re looking to continue our success that we’ve had in the past with our Chili Fest,” said Paul Mollett, superintendent. “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.”

“We’re happy that we’ve made Chili Fest a staple in Lawrence County and have gotten local organizations to participate,” said Tim Nunnery, public relations and personnel director. “We welcome local organizations, businesses and even individuals to participate in the cook off. As always, we have a great turnout for the festival.”

Along with the Chili Fest and Craft Show, the LCBDD is also planning the annual 5K Run/Walk for Developmental Disabilities. This will be the third consecutive year the 5K has been held. The 5K is planned for March 9 at The Point Industrial Park in South Point.

In the past, funds raised went back in to awareness for the following year. However, past events have been so successful, the LCBDD is able to put funds back into programs. This year, additional funds raised will go towards the Open Door School.

Along with the 5K and the chili fest and craft show, other awareness events are also on the agenda. Those include:

• A reunion for students and families of the Early Childhood Center on March 2 in South Point;

• Balloon Launch on March 4, 10 a.m. at the Open Door School in Ironton;

• Dr. Suess Day on March 4 throughout the day at Open Door School ;

• March Madness Basketball Games featuring Tri-State Industires, Open Door School, The Tribune and Lawrence County elected officials held in the Dawson Bryant High School Gym on March 19 beginning at 6 p.m.;

• DD food drive and eyeglasses collection at various locations in Lawrence County through March and April.

Nunnery says the Chili Fest is the most popular event among the community, but when asked which event is the most popular among the clients of the board of DD, Nunnery replied, “Definitely the basketball games.”

For more information about DD Awareness Month, or to register for the 5K run/walk, chili fest or craft show, call (740) 532-7401.