Manheim Township is a diverse community. It is made up of a wide array of people, traditions and beliefs.

But one of the things that it seems that all residents can agree on is that spring is a time of hope, change, and getting outdoors.

"I'd say that everyone is more alike than they are different," said Harry Norton, a recreation manager who's been employed by Manheim Township for 39 years. "We're all just people. I think everyone wants some positive aspects out of life for their families and opportunities to enjoy it, especially when it comes to recreation. The purpose of recreation is to find enjoyment."

With this philosophy in mind, the Manheim Township Recreation Department (MTRD) will present its upcoming Community Egg Hunt, which is designed to get individuals moving, appeal to everyone and bring people together. This year's edition of the popular annual event will be conducted from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, on the turf fields of the Manheim Township Athletic Complex, 2883 Weaver Road, Lancaster.

Through the generosity of individual and business sponsors, the event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Visitors are encouraged to bring baskets for collecting eggs.

"It's a celebration of spring and renewal," said Norton. "There's a lot that goes on, but the big event is the egg hunt itself. We want kids to have fun and for everyone to get an egg. The vibe is very low-key with a sense of building excitement."

The staggered egg hunts, which will be staged by age groups in designated areas, will begin at 1:15 p.m. with 2-year-olds and under, as well as 3-year-olds. Then 4-year-olds will be afforded their opportunities, followed by 5- and 6-year-olds and 7- and 8-year-olds.

After the kids have had their fun, a special egg hunt will be conducted for older kids and adults.

Every one of the total of 10,000 multicolored eggs will contain a prize or a treat, and each hunt will include a golden egg that will provide the finder a special basket or super prize.

"The best part is seeing the joy and excitement of the children as they participate," said Norton. "We have a countdown; we turn them loose and off they go. Normally, the children get four to six eggs, but we always keep eggs set aside to make sure everyone gets one."

The atmosphere of the Community Egg Hunt will be enhanced by music from a DJ, free popcorn and drinks, themed games, large egg puzzles, arts and crafts, face painting, bubble machines and photo opportunities. Local vendors will make food available for purchase.

"In addition to enjoying yourself, recreation allows you to clear your mind and refresh your spirit," said Norton. "It helps people with socializing, and it allows them to experience new opportunities."

More than 600 individuals are expected to attend the Manheim Township Recreation Department's Community Egg Hunt, most of whom are families who reside in the township.

"It's open to the general community. There's plenty of room for people, and there's a lot for them to do," said Norton. "Primarily, they are parents bringing their children in search of a rewarding experience. With things like this, it's really about the enjoyment, about the fun. As parents are leaving, they often tell us how enjoyable the experience was."

"The event has become a favorite tradition for so many families," said Matt Stopa, director of MTRD, "and we're excited to welcome everyone back for another great afternoon together."

In 2021, it was Stopa who provided the inspiration and initiative that led to establishing the Community Egg Hunt as an event.

"We had a number of events that had fallen to the wayside," said Norton, a resident of East Hempfield Township who is planning to retire from his MTRD position on Monday, June 1. "Matt Stopa restarted and reinstituted the events. He said, 'There are a lot of special events we could do,' and he got things going. It was just something Matt took upon himself to expand. People came out and loved it. It's great for the township, and it's great for the families."

MTRD also hosts an Earth Day celebration in the spring, participates in National Night Out in August, stages a Halloween event in October, conducts a holiday open house in December and hosts a Groundhog Day event in February.

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