There's a place in position Florida that designed a twelve-foot-significant monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody could like to do that?
Effectively, initial off, heroes are hard to return by inside of this commit Florida - the Panhandle money of scotland - Wausau, dwelling of less than 500 folks throughout Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero to mention the minimum? No person else places the possum on the pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, again in 1982, Wausau received fed up with getting disregarded within the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Each and every place in place Florida wishes a Competition. And never a single dedicate Florida contains a Possum Competition. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't long gone to Washington County, you most likely will think I'm generating this up. For those who have been to Washington County, you'll recognize - and know This may be a correct story.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some fairly strong possum politicians in early '80s. Listed here are some things they attained:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the very first Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led towards the developing While using the monument along Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.
They even received America Congress to sector the possum. Congress joined the enjoyable by furnishing the resources for Wausau's Possum read more Palace so Wausau could possibly have an area to carry its annual Exciting Working day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, between other issues, the festival appeals to 1000s of folks Every single and each year, and they also like it.
Time out for a few educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum will be the equivalent lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six can perform?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and exhibits its unattractive entire body only during the night. This is exactly why, when you find yourself inside of suitable position in Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', so it truly is not challenging to lure (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription with regard to the monument in the heart of Wausau cites the possum's job in offering 'both fur and foodstuff' through the hundreds of years. It goes on to say: 'Their presence here has offered a source of nutritious and flavorful food in typical moments and has been An important aid to human survival when in distress and critical require.'
Laugh in the event you'd desire. The persons of Wausau will chuckle together with you - whilst downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.