Because he is a fan of scary stories, John Elam believed that his 8-year-old son Aaron would not be frightened after his dad read "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

However, his 10-year- old daughter would have had a much different reaction.

"If she were here, she would be sleeping with us tonight," Elam said.

To showcase the fall season, Ohio University Southern's Nature Center sponsored "Spend the Day at the Lake" Saturday. During the day, the public had the opportunity to help the nature center construct fish habitats in the soon-to-be-filled Lake Vesuvius. Later in the evening, West Virginia teachers Sharon and Don Macri told the crowd Appalachian folk stories in an outside area lit only by a few lanterns. Afterward, Elam, an Ironton City councilman, read the classic story about schoolmaster Icabod Crane and his tango with the Headless Horseman.

According to Dr. Bob Culp, nature center director, Elam was chosen to read for his vocal qualities.

"Listen to this voice. He has the most wonderful voice," Culp said.

At this year's Festival of the Hills, Elam said he approached Culp about doing volunteer work for the nature center because of his interest in earth science.

"I'm not doing this for any reason except my love for nature and earth sciences," he said.

Ashland, Ky., resident Joetta Arthur, who brought her two children to the lake, said she was pleased with what the nature center had to offer.

"This has been awesome," she said as her 6-year-old daughter Holli was latched around her leg.

"This has been great for the kids and a fun day."

Holli nodded her head when she was asked if she would be sleeping with her mother that night.

Ten-year-old Joshua Hamm of South Point was impressed by the spooky sound effects Elam used while reading the story.

After Elam read the story, Culp and nature center representatives invited the public inside the nature center for pizza and showed them some of their "pets." One of those cuddly creatures was a 9-foot long Burmese python named Fluffy.

"We appreciate the support of people in the area very much," Culp said. "We're hoping to develop this and make it grow and be an asset to the community."