Mysterious history celebrated during Python Day
PENINSULA — Python Day is once again slithering into the Village of Peninsula, this year taking place July 21.
The story of the snake is embedded into the history of the village. According to village officials, legend has it during the summer of 1944, a python escaped from a circus trailer making its way through the Cuyahoga Valley. Several residents reported finding strange tracks on their properties and others even claimed to see the snake, estimated to be 15 to 18 feet long.
According to a history of the python written by Randy Bergdorf, of the Peninsula Library and Historical Society and who is also a Boston trustee, those who said they saw the python or evidence of its existence hold true to the story today. Many others think the story was a hoax perpetrated by Peninsula resident and writer Robert Bordner, whose account of the story appeared in the November 1945 issue of Atlantic Monthly.
Several activities are on tap for this daylong event. According to Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce Administrator Rebecca Urban, Python Day began with Ronda Russell, former owner of The Downtown Emporium. Russell passed away in April of 2016.
“We continue this on in her memory,” she said. “It’s our quirky little festival. She was the heart and soul behind getting this started.”
A staple of the day is the Python Parade, the grandmaster for which is a large python crafted by resident Larry Bell. The parade, which steps off at Terry’s Lumber Yard at 1:30 p.m., works its way west along Main Street before coming to an end in front of Peninsula Library.
According to Urban, the python is operated by volunteers, who walk the parade route underneath its hollow frame and snakeskin decorated exterior. Anyone wishing to take part in the parade should arrive at Terry Lumber & Supply, 1710 Mill St., before 1:30 p.m.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., festival attendees are encouraged to stop by Boston Township Hall, 1775 Main St., for the chance to see and touch a real python.
At Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Road, event attendees can drop by a python-themed coloring station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Chamber of Commerce officials.
Yellow Creek Trading Co., located at 1685 Main St., Suite A, will host a Python Scavenger Hunt inside and outside the shop from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instructions for locating rubber snakes can be picked up inside the business, and prizes will be awarded upon completion, according to business owner Lynne Dowling.
Yellow Creek Trading Co. also will be the site of a balloon sculptor, who will be set up on the front porch from noon to 3 p.m.
Also taking place, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), along with the CVNP, will host Make Your Own Python Pet outside Trail Mix, 1600 Mill St., weather permitting, using recycled neckties. All supplies will be provided in this free make-and-take craft, according to chamber officials.
From noon to 4 p.m., event attendees can learn about the historical significance of Python Day at the Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum, a branch of the Peninsula Library and Historical Society located on the second floor of Boston Township Hall. An exhibit, Bits and Pieces: Unpuzzling our Past, includes information about the history of the infamous reptile, according to library officials.
Charly Murphy, of StrayDog, will offer foot-long python hot dogs at The Log Cabin Gallery, 1671 Main St., from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., chamber officials said.
In addition, singer/songwriter Sam Sapp and freelance naturalist Sarah Matheny will perform a music and nature program called “Song and Tails from the Woods” from 1:45 to 3 p.m. on the porch at 6089 N. Locust St.
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