COAL GROVE — Hundreds turned out Saturday for the 18th annual Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities Chili Fest.

Tim Nunnery, who works public relations for the group and oversaw the event, said 19 chili cooks and 28 vendors were set up in the gymnasium at Dawson-Bryant High School.

The cooks included individuals and groups and organizations, such as the Lawrence County Democrats, Appalachian Families and Children First, Hecla Water, Necco of South Point and the Wyngate at RiversEdge.

“It’s going pretty strong,” Nunnery said of the attendance for the three-hour festival. “It’s something we’ll keep doing, as long as the turnout keeps us doing it.”

He said, on average, the event serves 500 per year.

Awards were given out at the end for Best Organization, Best Individual and People’s Choice.

“All the funds raise will go back to awareness,” Nunnery said of the group, which serves those with developmental disabilities. “It helps us pay for our billboards, T-shirts and activities.”