FAIRHOPE, Ala. — If family fun was on your agenda Saturday, you certainly would have found it at Chili for Charity, a fund-raiser for Ecumenical Ministries Inc. An estimated 5,000 people turned out for the eighth annual event, which featured a chili cook-off, bake sale, display of antique cars and tractors, hay rides, pony rides, games and music by Blind Dog Mike.

“It was a great event. We’re excited with the amount of people who turned out,” said Jennifer Crawford, executive director of the United Way of Baldwin County affiliated agency.

Darlene Smith, EMI community liaison, said because there was record attendance this year, organizers expect the proceeds to surpass the tally of previous cook-offs. Those totals had not yet been determined by press time.

It is known, however, that countless gallons of spicy chili were consumed, and soft drinks and water remained a big seller while the chili lasted.

Top honors this year went to Mary Ann’s Deli in Fairhope, which prepared a delicious chicken chili that pleased the judges as well as many who attended the event.

“Two years ago, they won third place, and they came in second last year,” Smith said.

The second place prize was awarded to Daniell, Upton, Perry and Morris P.C., a Daphne law firm that was also an event sponsor.

The Foley Kiwanis Club came in third, serving up chili like mom used to make — especially if mom also happened to dress like a pirate at the dinner table.

The People’s Choice Award, earned by the team that received the most $1 votes from those who dropped by to sample their delicacy-in-a-cup, went to the youth group from St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope. The team also was determined by the judges to have the best-decorated aprons. Smith said, “They had artistic flair.”

The team with one of the most colorful booths in 2007 won top accolades this year. The “Great Balls of Fire” booth of attorney Spencer Davis Jr. of Summerdale was judged the best.

All were given pottery handmade by Clay City potter Tom Jones. In previous years, Jones had also created the commemorative bowls that were available for purchase, but he decided to give someone else a turn this year.

Erica Bodine, a second generation potter born in Tulsa, Okla., and now living in midtown Mobile, furnished 300 bowls for the event.

“We were excited,” Smith said. “They are attractive bowls.”

She noted a man approached her during Chili for Charity and commended EMI for sponsoring an event that provided a safe place for folks to come out and spend time with their children.

Crawford said she received positive feedback while attending services at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Sunday. A member told her, “They were glad to see people come out and support a community event.”

EMI offers a number of services for the less fortunate, including prescription assistance, help with paying utilities and rent, home repair, Meals on Wheels and a food pantry. The group also deals with transportation issues and affordable housing.

“We’re meeting next week to set the date for next year,” Smith said. “We learn something every year, and we try to add something new to it. At Oak Hollow, we have plenty of room, and we’re constantly working on the parking.”

For more information about Ecumenical Ministries Inc., call (251) 928-3430 or (251) 943-3445. You may also visit www.baldwinemi.com.