It's hard to put a finger on. But it seems like the celebration of Halloween has sort of shifted and changed over the years.

Still just as popular as ever, Halloween is a bit less scary and a little more family-oriented, community-driven and playful. It's unclear if events like the Manheim Township Halloween Carnival are a result of that evolution or a cause of it.

"Halloween is pretty much a major holiday," said Manheim Township recreation director Matt Stopa. "But it's less stress compared to holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's all around more fun. That's why I think it's as popular as ever. There are two kinds of Halloweens - the Disney, family-fun kind and the more scary kind. We're going for the more family-oriented fun, festive atmosphere. It's something different for families to do together in October."

Sponsored by the municipality's Recreation and Park Planning Department, the eighth annual Manheim Township Halloween Carnival will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m., inside and outside at the Overlook Activities Center, 301 Golf Drive, Lancaster. The event, which will be held rain or shine, will feature games, food, fun, costumes and community spirit.

The Manheim Township Halloween Carnival is free to attend, but some activities require fees.

"It's not a nighttime thing," said Stopa. "It's designed to be a Halloween, fall, autumn kind of event. That's the atmosphere we're trying to push for. The ultimate goal is to provide a fun and festive experience for the families who attend. It'll be a different approach to recreation."

The highlight of the event promises to be the Trunk or Treat portion sponsored by the Manheim Township Police Department. Children will be afforded an opportunity to select candy, goodies and prizes from more than 40 decorated vehicle trunks sponsored by local businesses and organizations.

In addition, the Halloween Carnival will stage a costume contest and parade beginning at 1:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for contestants age 4 and under, ages 5 to 8, and ages 9 to 12, as well as for group entries.

There will also be 12 carnival-style games, four food trucks, a haunted expedition, balloon animals, photo opportunities and entertainment. The ambiance of the event will be influenced by hay bales and decorated corn.

"My favorite part is all the different games," said Stopa. "We've pretty much added a new game every year, and they're custom-made. It's a unique event, and it's an experience. Not every municipality does an event like this."

More than 2,000 family members and community members from Manheim Township and beyond are expected to attend.

"I would certainly hope that people are enjoying it and that they're returning," said Stopa. "People come from all different areas of Lancaster County, and that's pretty cool to see."

The Manheim Township Halloween Carnival, one of a handful of events sponsored by Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning annually, is being held at the Overlook Activities Center for the second straight year, after the event outgrew its original home at Stauffer Park. The carnival requires the work of about 50 employees and volunteers, including members of the Manheim Township High School Key Club, to pull off.

"It began with 50 people at Stauffer Park, and it's turned into something with a higher standard, and it's brought more people with it," said Stopa. "We put a lot of effort into it. We take a lot of time to think about how to make it better, and every year it does get better. I'm excited to see how it's better this year."

For additional information about the Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department, go to http://www.manheimtownship.org/1617/Recreation-Park-Planning.