Part of Manheim Township's charm and strength as a community is its diversity - and its inclusivity.

About five years ago, the Manheim Township Recreation Park Planning (MTRPP) department made a conscious effort to conduct more community events with the express intent of including more groups of people. This Halloween, MTRPP will be celebrating diversity as much as the autumn harvest, creativity and the change of seasons.

"Prior to five years ago, we weren't doing that many special events," said Matt Stopa, who's been MTRPP's director for six years. "Some of these events I started, and we've made them better. But it's really the staff that's put the effort into them and made them what they are today. We spend a lot of time on them, and we're proud of them and what they've become. There was increased staffing, which helps. There are more people and more ability to do things."

This year, MTRPP has expanded its Halloween holiday offerings to two events. On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., the township's ninth annual Halloween Carnival will go down inside and outside of Overlook Activities Center, 301 Golf Drive, Lancaster. Then on the following day, Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m., MTRPP will present its inaugural Low Sensory Spooky Soiree - a toned-down version of the Halloween Carnival with the same spirit - at Overlook Activities Center.

Trick-or-treat in Manheim Township will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Both of the sponsored events taking place the preceding weekend are rain or shine and free to attend.

"Our purpose has always been to bring the community together for a fun Halloween event," said Stopa. "We have so many sponsors this year. It's supposed to be fun and exciting. We're gearing it toward kids, and there's a lot going on."

"We wanted to create an event that was more inclusive," said Chaley Bulla, an MTRPP coordinator and one of the driving forces behind the Spooky Soiree. "We want it to be a fun Halloween celebration. We want it to be calm and welcoming. We'll have some games that will have less noise, and all the prizes are sensory sensitive. Really, the goal is to get more people involved."

The Halloween Carnival will feature 11 carnival-style games; a Manheim Township Police Department-sponsored Trunk or Treat with 25 decorated vehicle trunks offering candy, prizes and goodies; a scary walk-through haunted expedition hall; balloon twisters; and five food trucks. At 1:30 p.m., the highly anticipated costume contest/parade will commence, and prizes will be awarded in four categories.

"I think the highlight is the games we offer," said Stopa. "We spend a lot of time designing these games. I think they come out pretty cool, and they're not your typical carnival games. Personally, I think working with all the other departments in the township is pretty cool too."

The Low Sensory Spooky Soiree, which is designed to allow those with sensory sensitivity to celebrate at their own pace, will feature table trick-or-treat, games, a costume contest, a reptile show, pumpkin painting and a quiet space.

As many as 2,000 individuals are expected to attend both Halloween community events.

Individuals interested in volunteering at either of the Halloween events should call 717-290-7180.

"It's all about community and connection," said Bulla. "I like bringing families together. I'll be present at both events. Of all the holidays, Halloween is my favorite. You can't keep me away from Halloween events. I'm either going to be dressed up as a tennis ball or a highlighter."

In addition to the pair of Halloween events, MTRPP will host a holiday open house at Stauffer Park on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.; a Groundhog Day celebration at Stauffer Park on Monday, Feb. 2, from 7 to 8 a.m.; and a community egg hunt on Saturday, March 28, at the Manheim Township Athletic Complex. In addition, the department conducts an Earth Fest at Overlook Park in April and the Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Arts Show in September.

"All of our events are spread out so we can give them our full attention," said Stopa. "I think they're well-received. The answer is in the participation. If people are upset about an event, they'll send you emails. If they have a good time, they won't, and we haven't gotten a lot of emails about our events."

For additional information, go to http://www.manheimtownship.org/1617/Recreation.