There's a spot in Florida that developed a 12-foot-higher monument in the guts of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any one need to do that?
Nicely, to get started with, heroes acquire effort and time to acquire on this commit Florida - the Panhandle city of Wausau, household of under 500 persons in the heart of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero to put it mildly? No person else places the possum over the pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back again in 1982, Wausau acquired Sick and tired of currently being omitted Along with the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Every single commit Florida desires a Competition. Instead of 1 spend Florida includes a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have never frequented Washington County, you most likely will Assume I'm producing this up. For those who have long gone to Washington County, you'll comprehend - and know this can be a real story.
Wausau, it proved, had some pretty impressive possum politicians from the early '80s. Allow me to share some things they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the incredibly initial Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led for the setting up inside the monument alongside Condition Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even acquired The us Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the fun by providing the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a place to assist its yearly Entertaining Day and Possum Competition. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, amid other matters, the festival appeals to Many persons each year, and Additionally they love it.
Outing to get a several educating of Northerners in this article. The South's possum may be the equivalent lowly animal you contact opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and demonstrates its ugly entire body only during the night time. That's why, if you find yourself inside the correct place in position Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', so It truly is not difficult to trap (or shoot) a single.
An inscription around the monument through Wausau cites the possum's job in read more delivering 'each fur and food stuff' in the complete generations. It goes on say: 'Their presence listed here has provided an origin of nutritious and flavorful food stuff in typical periods and possesses been a vital assist to human survival in situations of distress and important need.'
Laugh if you like. The men and women of Wausau will giggle with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.