If the cool weather and the vibrantly colored leaves were not proof enough, the weekend's activities across the county reflect that fall is definitely here.

A variety of events will showcase the season and also October's spooky side. Activities include Ohio University Southern's Nature Center's "Spend the Day at the Lake," Chesapeake's eighth annual Octoberfest and the continuing journeys into the Haunted Tunnel.

"Spend the Day at the Lake" will provide the public with the opportunity to participate in a community service in the morning and the chance to hear some ghost stories in the evening.

From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the public can meet at the Nature Center at Lake Vesuvius where volunteers will go to the boat ramp area to build fish habitats along the lake bottom before Vesuvius is refilled later this month.

Lunch will be provide for all volunteers.

"We are partnering with the Wayne National Forest to get the community interested in what is going on at the lake and the get the lake ready for the community," said Merri Warden, Natural Wonders coordinator.

"We will provide the good fishing spots for when the lake is refilled," said Dr. Bob Culp, director of OUS' Nature Center.

Everyone is then encouraged to return to the outdoor amphitheater at the Nature Center at 6:30 as West Virginia teachers Sharon and Don Macri will tell Appalachian folk stories. At 7:30 p.m., Ironton mayoral candidate John Elam will narrate "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" with the help from some volunteers who may speak as voices for the characters.

"We just want people to come out to the lake and see one of the best kept secrets in the Tri-State," Warden said. "This is the chance to be a part of something."

Also featuring the fall theme, Chesapeake's eighth annual Octoberfest will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the triangle where the offramp from U.S. 52 connects with County Road 1.

Sponsored by the Chesapeake Area Citizens Coalition, there will be a 5K run in during the morning, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Other activities include a car show, crafts, foods and more.

Booths may be rented for $15 to $30. For more information, call 867-3131.

The scares continue in the Haunted Tunnel at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Located at the intersection of U.S. 52 and State Route 93 across from the Ironton Hills Shopping Center, the cost is $5 per person.