A Maryville organization that puts the ‘L’ in ‘BLT’ will be holding a fundraiser based around the sandwich.

Lettuce Dream will be holding a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Festival this weekend.

Lettuce Dream Board President Diane Francis said the non-profit organization was started by a group of individuals in Nodaway County.

“There was a group that came together and looked at the need that we have in this area, as well as across the country, where individuals with developmental disabilities, after high school, there was really not a lot of opportunities to gain skill or to work into possible employment in their community,” Francis said.

According to Lettuce Dream Director Charlie Clodfelter, there are currently eight interns in the program and a total of 15 have gone through the program in the last year. Hydroponic lettuce and herbs are grown in a 6,720 square foot greenhouse and production facility for wholesale distribution to grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

All proceeds from the upcoming BLT Festival will allow Lettuce Dream to continue fulfilling its mission of providing training opportunities for young adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities.

The Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Festival will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at Backyard Vine and Wine at 30484 Icon Road in Maryville.

In addition to BLTs at the festival, there will be games, a silent auction and live music. Anyone attending is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

For more information go to lettucedream.org.