Pictured are participants from a previous year’s contest of the annual Dunkirk charity basketball game.

Although high school and college basketball seasons have come and gone, there is still one more big game left to be played on the hardwood in Chautauqua County this year.

The 14th annual charity basketball game between the Dunkirk City staff and the Dunkirk School District staff is set for April 21 at 6 p.m. in the main gym at Dunkirk High School. The event is presented by the National Honor Society. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities, with an added focus this year on the Chautauqua County Child Advocacy Program.

“It’s awesome to see the whole community come together,” said Dunkirk teacher Miriam Lugo-Alfaro, an organizer of the event.

Prior to the game, a Weidner’s chicken/pulled pork barbecue dinner is available for $14, with admission to the game included. Stand-alone tickets to the game are available at the door for $5. Also featured at the event is a bake sale, a basket raffle, and a DJ with music playing throughout the evening.

Many local businesses donate goods or services to make the event special every year, including the DJ for the event and referees for the game, as well as the participants.

“Everyone that’s working it or playing in it donates their time,” Lugo-Alfaro said.

The game has evolved over the years, first as a matchup between middle school and high school teachers. As the middle school became part of the high school, the event expanded to involve Dunkirk city staff members in some years, with members of the Chautauqua Hurricane basketball team involved in other years. Now, the Dunkirk School team includes members from all positions in the district, not just teachers, as they take on the City team in the 14th edition of the game this year.

“It’s a lot of work, don’t get me wrong. We started planning this last year,” said Lugo-Alfaro. “But it’s great. It’s always been a fun time.”