Add even more festive fun to your Halloween celebration by visiting Teen Central for Light the Night. The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Teen Central, 15 S. Wolf St., Manheim.

"The event takes place during Manheim's trick-or-treat hours, and the last few years we have had between 400 to 500 people pass through our parking lot!" said Janelle Heying, Teen Central executive director. "We would love to welcome everyone to this free community event. Whether people are looking for some safe, family-friendly fun or are out trick-or-treating and want to swing by, we will be there with plenty of food and activities for all ages!"

Light the Night will happen rain or shine and will include stations offering treats and activities such as popcorn, cotton candy, firepits with s'mores, a photo booth, games and candy. A food station will serve free hot dogs, hot chocolate, chips and other goodies.

"Tours of the inside of our building will also be available for people who are interested in learning more about our ministry and what all we do at Teen Central," Heying shared. "We are a nonprofit, Christian youth center right here in Manheim. It is our goal to create a safe and welcoming space for students grade five to 12 to come and feel at home in our community."

The mission of Teen Central is to encourage and inspire youths through the love of Jesus Christ by providing positive activities; mentoring relationships; and promoting social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth, she explained.

"Our youth center is open four days a week for students to attend, and every day we provide free food, fellowship and fun," Heying continued. "Our regular programming offers students a variety of activities, including sports, gardening, cooking, crafts and games. We have a gym, daily Bible studies, snacks, free meals and, once a month we hold special events that are designed to involve participants in fun, healthy, safe activities."

All of Teen Central's programming is provided free to all participants.

Teen Central has held Light the Night for many years, and while some activities may have changed over time, the event's mission has remained the same.

"The purpose for this evening is to bring the light of Jesus to our neighbors by connecting with and serving those in our community," Heying said. "We love being able to use our space to bring the community together on a night where most people are already out and about and interacting with each other."

Heying noted that Light the Night relies on community support to be a success.

"This event wouldn't be possible without our wonderful volunteers and other partnerships within the community," she said. "A special thank you to all who contribute to this event, whether it be with their time, resources or prayers and encouragement!"

Heying invites people to come to Light the Night for family fun.

"We have added quite a few new elements and stations this year," she remarked. "We've added more games, a balloon animal station and lots of new prize opportunities. ... People can expect a safe and inviting atmosphere to either pass through while trick-or-treating or to stay and enjoy for the entire two hours."

Holding the event provides benefits to both the nonprofit and the community, she said.

"To see all the smiles being shared and fun being had during this event - it is always worth it and a great motivation to provide this event year after year," she commented. "We love being able to see the love of Christ spread throughout the night!"

While the event will be held rain or shine, it will be moved to Saturday, Nov. 1, if Manheim Borough changes the date of trick or treat due to severe weather. For more information, follow "Teen Central Manheim" on Instagram or Facebook, visit https://teencentralmanheim.org, email info@teencentralmanheim.org or call 717-664-2990.