So Fine on Kline chili cook-off returns Nov. 13: Beer garden, horse-drawn carriage rides, dinner-date auction added

In its inaugural event last year, the So Fine on Kline chili cook-off (a fundraiser for the La Jolla Fourth of July Fireworks) raised about $800. This year, organizers hope to top that by bringing in more activities to the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 festival.

The event takes place on Kline Street between Ivanhoe and Girard avenues, and will include a beer garden with football showing on TV screens, a spin-a-thon (9 a.m. and 11 a.m.), kids zone, craft tables, a 50/50 drawing, live music, blood donation opportunities, a Humane Society booth, horse-drawn carriage rides and of course, chili.

About 10 participants have already signed up to submit their best chili offerings, including individuals and chefs from La Jolla restaurants Hennessey’s, Jose’s, The Cottage, Eddie V’s and Goldfish Point. A $20 passport gets a holder a tasting from each.

Once all the samples have been doled out, participants can vote for their favorite (and dethrone Jose’s, who took home People’s Choice last year) and then the judges will do the same. The winner(s) will be recognized with a plaque.

Organizer Tresha Souza said the event is in its fourth year, and intended to be “a community block party for the community of La Jolla and a chance to have some fun with your neighbors.”

She added the “Pesky Boys” of El Pescador fish market have donated themselves as a silent auction item. Four friendly employees will individually be up for bid, and the winners will get a dinner with the employee of their choice.

Proceeds from the event benefit the La Jolla Fourth of July Fireworks. For more details, e-mail tsouza@san.rr.com