CRANBERRY TWP — If you want to trick-or-treat, Cranberry Township is the place to go.

That is according to The Daily Meal, a New York City-based culinary website that ranks Cranberry as one of the 25 best communities in the country for trick-or-treating.

Actually it comes in at number six in an article published Oct. 14 on the website.

The description reads, “Trick-or-treaters in Cranberry Township start celebrating Halloween early with the Great Pumpkin Festival on October 16th. At this event, kids can pick their perfect pumpkin, enjoy tasty Halloween treats, and participate in spirited games and crafts.

“Later in the month, the town hosts its annual Zombie 5K and 1 Mile Candy Corn Walk. Families gather at North Boundary Park to run or walk in their most creative costumes.”

Trick or treat times are 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

“I was surprised,” said Bruce Mazzoni, chairman of the township supervisors, of the ranking. “I'm curious how they measure something like that.”

But Mazzoni said the top 10 ranking reflects the township's family friendly atmosphere.

“There are a lot of activities for kids. Trick-or-treating is a fun part of being a kid,” he said. “It all combines to make it a fun time.”

The list was compiled by looking at towns nationwide with low crime rates, a low number of registered sex offenders, a good walkability rating and long-standing festivals or other traditions, according to the article.

Township manager Jerry Andree was not surprised by the recognition.

He said, “It reflects the enthusiasm and passion of our community. Trick-or-treating is a big part of our community.

“We are very much a family-centered community. You'll see lots of kids and families out enjoying the interactions between neighbors.”

Andree noted that emergency officers will be out for the Halloween festivities with police vehicles and fire trucks.

Here are the The Daily Meal's top 10 communities for trick-or-treating:

1. Colorado Springs, Colo.

2. Royal Oak, Mich.

3. Chester, N.J.

4. Palo Alto, Calif.

5. West Linn, Ore.

6. Cranberry Township

7. Geneva, Ill.

8. Cornwall, N.Y.

9. Carmel, Ind.

10. Saline, Mich.

Last year, The Daily Meal ranked the top 13 communities in the country, but Cranberry did not make that list.