EVANS CITY — Golfers and those who have never touched a club can shake off their cabin fever next month at the sixth annual BASF Chili Golf Open.

Normally held at the end of January, this year’s event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at EDCO Park on Route 68. All proceeds benefit EDCO Park.

The change in time is to accommodate the busy work schedule of the event’s enthusiastic organizer, said John Rogers, chairman of the EDCO Park Authority.

“It’s my favorite event of the year,” Rogers said.

He said the event puts the fun in fundraising, as duffers hack their way through a short nine-hole course in the park. Each year, Rogers encourages nongolfers to participate in the event.

“Some of the best golfers have the worst scores,” Rogers said, noting that a prize is awarded to the golfer whose drive ends up closest to the pin at each hole.

There are also more than 1,500 items to bid on in the silent auction, including autographed Pirates, Penguins and Steelers memorabilia, buckets of cheer, gift certificates to businesses and other items.

Rogers said golfers can warm up or roast a hot dog around the fire at the park’s fire pit.

“We play with foam balls, so if you get hit by a ball, you won’t get hurt,” Rogers said.

Free chili made by Sports & Spirits on Main Street also will warm up participants.

Rogers said a picnic pavilion at the park is transformed into a closed-in warming station by Swiss Construction Inc. He said another faithful sponsor, Pro Gas, donates propane heaters for the shelter.

Rogers said the event has earned more than $20,000 for the park over its six years. He said last year about $4,200 was raised.

The BASF Chili Golf Open and the annual summer chicken barbecue are the park authority’s two largest fundraisers.

Rogers said the funds go to improvements, maintenance, pool chemicals, daily operation costs and safety enhancements at the park and pool.

He said golfers forget about the cold and have some fun in the wintry weather.

“Everyone that comes is smiling and laughing,” Rogers said. “It is truly a fun fundraiser.”

He added that many people volunteer each year to pull the event off.

“A lot of people donate their time, talent and treasure to this event,” Rogers said. “Every year I’m really grateful for that.”

Information on cost and a venue to sign up and pay, as well as opportunities to sponsor a hole, are available online at www.edcopark.com.