Alex Woodruff, 15, wins annual chili cook-off at Midway Christian Church; crowd believed to be largest ever

Jonathan McColl and his father Mike were among the last in a very long line at the annual chili cook-off.

Alex's cookpot was empty, reflecting her dish's popularity.

Alex Woodruff, left, a 15-year-old student at Woodford County High School, won the annual chili cook-off at the Midway Christian Church's monthly community dinner Monday night. Steve Morgan placed second and Teresa Hoppin was third. All are from Midway. For the first time, the selection was made by vote of the crowd, not by judges.

Several observers agreed that the crowd was the largest ever, perhaps reflecting increased turnouts at the other community dinners in recent months.