A brawl broke out at a "Men Making A Difference" cookout at the old Fulton school last week and at least five law enforcement agencies were called to help quell the disturbance. One lawman who responded to the call said at least 1,200 people were present. He said the annual event has turned into a Clarke County "footwashing" event with drugs and alcohol prevalent. "Footwashing" was a reference to the annual Uniontown Footwashing that started out as a spiritual event but has garnered illicit drugs and activities and a bad reputation in recent years.

Men Making A Difference is a local group that promotes unity and brotherhood. But the cookout has grown increasingly large.

Saturday's ruckus started about 6:30, apparently between a group from Fulton and one from Thomasville. A bottle was reportedly broken over someone's head and then a chair. Some heard shots being fired and the call went out for help and lawmen from Grove Hill, Jackson, Thomasville, the Clarke County Sheriff's Department and state troopers responded.

Several were arrested for disorderly conduct, various alcohol charges and other offenses.

Some of those there said most of the attendees just wanted to have a good time but a minority bad element spoiled the evening for everyone.