There is a put in position Florida that built a 12-foot-large monument in the center of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any individual choose to do that?
Nicely, to begin with, heroes are really hard to seek out inside this commit Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland- Wausau, household of less than five hundred individuals for the duration of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an unlikely hero understandably? Nobody else puts the possum with a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, back 1982, Wausau received Unwell and tired of staying ignored Along with the Florida lists of entertaining, fairs and festivals. Every dedicate Florida requires a Competition. And never a person put in place Florida incorporates a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have not been to Washington County, you most likely will Believe I am thus, creating this up. For those who have absent to Washington County, you may understand - and know this can be a legitimate Tale.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some quite effective possum politicians in early '80s. Listed here are two matters they completed:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the Original Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led on more info the building with the monument along State Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even got The usa Congress in promoting the possum. Congress joined the fun by offering the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a place to hold its once-a-year Fun Day and Possum Pageant. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, amongst other issues, the festival appeals to A huge number of people every year, they usually like it.
Day trip for a lot of educating of Northerners right here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you contact opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and displays its unattractive body only during the night. That is why, When you are inside of right location in Florida, you may hear possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', consequently it is not so difficult capture (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription with the monument in the heart of Wausau cites the possum's purpose in providing 'each fur and foodstuff' through the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence right here has supplied a resource of nutritious and flavorful foodstuff in typical instances and it has been an important support to human survival in moments of distress and critical will need.'
Laugh if you prefer. The men and women of Wausau will snicker along - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.