COAL GROVE — Cooks set up to allow attendees to sample their chili and raise funds for Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities.

The group hosted its 19th annual Chilifest and Craft Show at Dawson-Bryant High School on Saturday, and the crowd numbered in the hundreds.

“We have 23 chili cooks this year,” Tim Nunnery, communications director for LCDD, said. “And we have 25 crafters and informational booth set up.”

Cooks included the Lawrence County Democratic Party, The Ironton Lions Club, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Necco, the Down’s Syndrome Association of Central Ohio and others.
Heath screenings were offered by St. Mary’s Medical Center, while a cake walk also raised funds for LCDD.

“It’s a staple of the community,” Nunnery said. “The public always comes out and supports us.”

Nunnery said the chili was judged by Lawrence County Commissioners Freddie Hayes Jr., Bill Pratt and DeAnna Holliday, as well as radio personality Bill Cornwell from Kindred Communications, David Payne and Brett Looney of the Lawrence County Juvenile Center.