Before Jason, Freddy and Pinhead, there was the Headless Horseman, one of America's earliest boogeymen.

The supernatural menace who rode a black horse at night in search of a head comes from the Washington Irving tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," set in 1790.

Now the story will be presented as an interactive theatrical performance at Rock Ford Plantation, nestled on the wooded banks of the Conestoga River.

The Georgian-style mansion is the historic home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand and was built in 1794, making it the perfect setting for Irving's creepy tale.

"Although (the story) is set in New York's Hudson River Valley, 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' is uniquely suited to Rock Ford," said Sam Slaymaker, executive director of Rock Ford. "Not only does the story take place during Rock Ford's era of America in the 1790s, it contains numerous allusions to the Revolutionary War."

As the story goes, the Headless Horseman was once a Hessian soldier who was decapitated by a cannonball during the Revolutionary War. Thus, the soldier was resurrected as a very ticked-off ghost, looking to replace the pumpkin that subs as his head.

The candlelit Rock Ford will serve as the home of Mrs. Van Tassel, one of the characters from "Sleepy Hollow," for three consecutive Fridays, starting today.

Visitors will both watch and participate in the drama, which takes place during an elegant autumn ball. As the threat of the Headless Horseman lurks just outside, guests will be challenged not to — ahem — lose their heads.

Actors will portray schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and town rowdy Brom Bones, both hoping to gain the attention of eligible Katrina Van Tassel. Rock Ford volunteers and dancers will also be decked out as ball guests.

Barry Kornhauser, award-winning playwright in residence at the Fulton Opera House, helped develop the program.

Slaymaker called the event "an enchanting witch's brew of spooky and atmospheric Halloween fun," that blends theater, literature and American history.

Performances (geared toward adults and older children) will begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. each day. Rock Ford's location in Lancaster County Central Park provides the perfect setting for the supernatural story.

Tickets for Rock Ford's performance of "Sleepy Hollow: The Legend Comes to Rock Ford" must be purchased in advance. Tickets will be $8.50 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.

Sleepy Hollow: The Legend Comes to Rock Ford, today, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. (also Oct. 17 and 24), adults $8.50, seniors and students $7, to make reservations, e-mail the date and number of adults and students in your party to rockforddirector@comcast.net or call 392-7223.

E-mail: cdifonzo@lnpnews.com