There's a dedicate Florida that developed a 12-foot-higher monument in the course of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any individual wish to accomplish that?
Perfectly, to begin with, heroes are hard to research During this invest Florida - the Panhandle money of scotland - Wausau, dwelling of below 500 individuals in the center of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero to state the the very least? No one else puts the possum above a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, back again 1982, Wausau bought Ill and Weary of currently being omitted through the Florida lists of exciting, fairs and festivals. Every single devote Florida needs a festival. Instead of one particular commit Florida features a Possum Festival. Why not Wausau?
If you have never absent to Washington County, you probably will Consider I'm developing this up. In case you have frequented Washington County, you can fully grasp - and know that is a real Tale.
Wausau, it ended up, experienced some fairly highly effective possum politicians in early '80s. Allow me to share a handful of matters they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the Preliminary Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led on the creating with the monument check here along Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even received the United States Congress to marketplace the possum. Congress joined the exciting by means of furnishing the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a place to hold its annual Enjoyable Working day and Possum Pageant. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, among the other things, the festival attracts A large number of people each and each year, and in order that they adore it.
Outing For several educating of Northerners in this article. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 can do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and shows its unpleasant overall body only at night. That's why, when you are inside the appropriate commit Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', as a result it's simple to entice (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription for the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's role in delivering 'both equally fur and food stuff' through the entire centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence in this article has provided an origin of nutritious and flavorful food items in standard periods and has been an important assist to human survival in moments of distress and critical require.'
Giggle If you prefer. The individuals of Wausau will chuckle along with you - whilst downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.