ALEXANDRIA — Despite the searing midday heat, the nonstop annoyance of flies and a long wait, thousands lined up at the Madison County 4-H Fair Tuesday to get a plate of homemade chicken and noodles.

“It’s tradition,” explained Jenna Chapman, 19, of Anderson, who said her grandfather brought her to the fair each year for the noodles since birth.

A line that stretched 200-people long snaked from the tent where the noodles were being served, past vendors selling elephant ears and other traditional fair food.

Despite the temptations of a quick meal without the long line, fairgoers waited patiently for a chance to fill their plates with the chicken and noodles, hearty beef tomatoes and cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans and other homemade food items being served by the Christian Congregation Church of Alexandria.

The chicken and noodles dinner has long been a tradition at the county fair, according to Pastor Jerry Young of Christian Congregation Church. For more than 60 years, he said, people have been lining up to get a full homemade meal for less than $6.

Last year, the not-for-profit dinner raised $20,000, Young said, for five local missions in Alexandria, which sought to feed, house and tutor disadvantaged local residents.

The fair presents the perfect opportunity for vendors and local organizations hoping to get noticed as the church has.

With a steady stream of visitors looking to spend money, see the animals and take a spin on the rides, the fair draws vendors by the dozens, all hoping to cash in.

Some, like those churches hosting the chicken noodles supper, are hoping to raise funds for a good cause.

Frankton Christian Church was camped out in a red-and-white striped tent Tuesday, selling pork chops to raise funds for its charitable efforts while Church Street Commons sold strawberry shortcake.

State Rep. Terri Austin used the fair as a chance to be seen by and interact with her constituents. Parked in front of the Madison County Democrats’ table, Austin handed out spiral-shaped compact fluorescent bulbs she’d purchased, hoping to help area Hoosiers save on energy expenses.

Austin said she had changed her bulbs at home to the eco-friendly spiral bulbs three months ago and highly recommended the change.

Some raised funds in anticipation for the fair. Madison County 4-H horse and pony enthusiasts sold sponsorships for the group’s 110 classes leading up to the fair, competing amongst themselves to see who could raise the most money. The Ruff Riders club beat out the County Mounties, with the two groups raising more than $5,000 for trophies and 4-H awards.

On Tuesday night, members of the losing County Mounties were forced to put underwear on a goat, carry a greased watermelon, navigate a muddy obstacle course and slide into a pool filled with chocolate pudding in the spirit of competition.

Last year, male losers of the competition were forced to dress in women’s clothing, stomping around the fairgrounds in heels and skirts.