The Manheim Church Softball League has been in existence since 1953, one of the longest continuously running softball leagues in the state of Pennsylvania," said Mike Givler, president of the league. "Next year the league will celebrate its 75th season. It is a proud community of softball teams and players that brings hundreds of fans from around the county to Manheim every summer."

The league will hold a Rivalry Night at Pool Field, located on East Adele Avenue across from Manheim Central High School, on Monday, June 29.

Teams from five churches in the leagues, each with two teams, will compete in the event, which is a fundraiser for renovation of the field's bleachers as well as two Manheim missions.

Participating churches are Erb Mennonite, Chiques Church, Manheim Brethren in Christ (BIC), Newport Dove and White Oak.

Four games will be played at Pool Field, with the fifth taking place at Mummau Park, 446-498 Chestnut St., Manheim. Food trucks will operate from 6 to 9 p.m., and the games will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Sales of food will be by donation, with proceeds first going to a plan to upgrade the bleachers, and the remaining funds split between Teen Central and Home on Ferdinand, missions that have been recipients of the league's past fundraising.

"Both organizations have received thousands of dollars from the league in the last five years because of benefit days similar to this one," Givler shared. "Both of those Manheim organizations will be on hand with materials to hand out about their missions. ... We are proud to give back to these meaningful outreaches in Manheim."

Food trucks will include Ryno BBQ, Blazin' J's, Dutch Country Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels and 32 Below Ice Cream.

"Games will likely run until about 10:30," said Givler, who plays as a pickup player for Manheim BIC Orange as a utility infielder. "Each game lasts roughly one hour."

The Rivalry Night is part of the league's regular schedule, he noted.

"Bragging rights are on the line," Givler said.

He explained that food is available by donation thanks to generous donors who pay for the food trucks in advance.

"We have already received a commitment from the Manheim Farm Show to help with the costs of the bleachers since the farm show also uses the bleachers heavily during their week of events in October and would benefit from improved bleachers," he added.

Givler attributes the softball league's longevity to several factors.

"We have a great group of coaches and players who love the game of softball and enjoy the fellowship with the other players and teams," he said. "We have a competitive brand of softball that brings out fans from around the county to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on their favorite teams."

Everyone is welcome for Rivalry Night, and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to ensure enough seats. The event will be held rain or shine.

"It's a great community atmosphere. There will be great food on June 29, and you'll get to see people who you might not run into except at the farm show," Givler said. "The games should be competitive as well, so we're expecting a fun and entertaining evening under the lights."