COAL GROVE —  The Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities is gearing up for the 2015 DD Awareness Month this March.  The 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 realize the importance of the developmentally disabled as part of the community. The statewide theme for this year’s activities encourages all of us to focus on the talents and abilities of people and how they make a difference in our community.

The Chili Fest and Craft Show is part of the festivities scheduled this year and is scheduled for March 14. Registration for chili entries and booth registration for crafters are now being accepted from public participants.

“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 fourth consecutive year the 5K has been held. The 5K is planned for March 7 at The Point in South Point.

In the past, funds raised went back in to awareness for the following year. However, events have been so successful lately, that the LCBDD is able to put funds back into programs.

Along with the 5K and the Chili Fest & Craft Show, other awareness events are also on the agenda. Those include:

• Balloon launch at 10 a.m. on March 2 at the Open Door School in Ironton

• Dr. Seuss Day on March 2 throughout the day at Open Door School

• March Madness Basketball Games featuring Tri-State Industires, Open Door School, members of the local media and Lawrence County elected officials held in the Dawson-Bryant High School gym on March 24 beginning at 6 p.m.

• DD Food Drive and Eyeglasses collection at various locations in Lawrence County through March and April

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