There is a devote Florida that constructed a 12-foot-high monument in the center of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody may well love to do that?
Very well, to get started with, heroes are tricky to search out in just this commit Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland- Wausau, dwelling of lower than 500 folks in the course of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an unlikely hero understandably? No one else places the possum more than a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, back again 1982, Wausau got Unwell and Sick and tired of remaining overlooked Together with the Florida lists of fun, fairs and festivals. Each devote Florida demands a Competition. Rather than one particular put in position Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't frequented Washington County, you most likely will Feel I am producing this up. When you've got attended Washington County, you will fully grasp - and know It's a legitimate Tale.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some really potent possum politicians over the early '80s. Listed here are several factors they completed:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led towards the building While using the monument along Condition Freeway 77 in Wausau.
They even acquired the United States Congress to advertise the possum. Congress joined the fun by way of providing the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a location to carry its yearly Fun Working day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, between other matters, the Competition appeals to plenty of individuals yearly, and so they obtain it irresistible.
Day trip for many educating of Northerners right here. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you contact opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will perform?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and reveals its unpleasant overall body only at night. That is why, when you're throughout the proper devote Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', so It will likely be not tough to catch (or shoot) one.
An inscription around the monument in the middle of Wausau cites the possum's position in furnishing 'the two fur and food items' from the full hundreds of years. It goes on say: 'Their existence below has furnished an origin of nutritious and flavorful food in normal times and possesses check here been a crucial aid to human survival through instances of distress and important want.'
Snicker should you'd like. The folks of Wausau will chortle along with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.