The serpent was purchased by the Crosby Chamber of Commerce, currently the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Crosby. The city of Crosby, while surrounded by lakes, burrows itself on the shores of Serpent Lake. There are rumors that these waters are inhabited by a mythical sea serpent, but a more likely explanation is the shape of the lake led to its namesake.
The serpent in Crosby Memorial Park on Serpent Lake was sculpted by Creative Display Inc. of Sparta WI. It was delivered prior to the statewide firemen's convention held in Crosby in early June of 1977. Later in 1977 the Crosby Chamber of Commerce offered a contest to name the Serpent. The winner was announced on the August 16, 1978 (yes, more than a year later). Maxine (Archibald) Larson of Anoka and Bay Lake, was the winner of the contest:
The name, Kahnah' bek!
It is made of styrofoam and weighs 2,500 pounds.
It is 20 feet high and 25 feet long
It includes 20 shades (or more) of color