There is a devote Florida that created a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the middle of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any one could possibly like to do that?
Nicely, to start with, heroes just take effort and time to return by in this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland - Wausau, dwelling of below 500 individuals for the duration of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an unlikely hero understandably? No person else puts the possum having a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Secondly, final 1982, Wausau obtained Unwell and exhausted with staying neglected within the Florida lists of exciting, fairs and festivals. Every commit Florida needs a festival. And not 1 devote Florida incorporates a Possum Pageant. Why not Wausau?
If you have not gone to Washington County, you almost certainly will Consider I am developing this up. For those who have frequented Washington County, you can realize - and know this is the true story.
Wausau, it proved, had some very potent possum politicians noisy . '80s. Listed below are two points they get more info completed:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the main Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led into the setting up Along with the monument along Condition Freeway 77 in Wausau.

They even got The usa Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the pleasurable by supplying the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could possibly have a spot to carry its once-a-year Enjoyable Day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, between other points, the Competition draws in Many individuals every year, plus they like it.
Day out For numerous educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you simply call opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 can do?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its unpleasant system only at night. That is why, whenever you find yourself inside of ideal devote Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' dogs baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', consequently it is actually uncomplicated more than enough to capture (or shoot) a person.
An inscription concerning the monument for the duration of Wausau cites the possum's job in offering 'both equally fur and meals' in the entire hundreds of years. It goes on to say: 'Their presence right here has furnished an origin of nutritious and flavorful foodstuff in standard moments and incorporates been an important enable to human survival when in distress and demanding need.'
Chortle In order for you. The men and women of Wausau will laugh coupled with you - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.