There is a dedicate Florida that designed a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would everyone may possibly like to do that?
Well, initially off, heroes are hard to return by in just this invest Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland- Wausau, dwelling of fewer than five hundred persons in the center of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero understandably? Nobody else places the possum by using a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Secondly, again 1982, Wausau acquired Unwell and tired with getting disregarded from the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Each devote Florida demands a festival. And never 1 location in Florida carries a Possum Competition. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have never frequented Washington County, you probably will Believe I'm Hence, generating this up. When you've got visited Washington County, you will realize - and know this is a accurate Tale.
Wausau, it turned out, had some very impressive possum politicians in early '80s. Listed below are a set of items they achieved:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to your creating with the monument alongside Point out Highway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even acquired The us Congress in selling the possum. Congress joined the enjoyable by offering the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a place to hold its annual Fun Working day and Possum Competition. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other factors, the Pageant attracts Many individuals on a yearly basis, and they also obtain it irresistible.
Time out for a few educating of Northerners in this article. The South's possum will be the equivalent lowly animal you contact opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will accomplish?) It is a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and shows its unattractive overall body only at nighttime. That is why, when you are while in the appropriate spot in Florida, you could hear possum hunters' dogs baying and barking. Treed by pet dogs, the possum 'freezes', so It will probably be not so complicated capture (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription within the monument in the midst of Wausau cites the possum's part in giving 'both fur and meals' through the check here entire centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence listed here has presented an origin of nutritious and flavorful food stuff in ordinary periods and has been a vital aid to human survival in periods of distress and demanding want.'
Giggle for those who'd prefer. The folks of Wausau will laugh along with you - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.