There's a invest Florida that developed a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone really need to do that?
Nicely, to begin, heroes take time and effort to research in this spend Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland- Wausau, dwelling of fewer than five hundred folks during Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero to put it mildly? No person else puts the possum on a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, final 1982, Wausau received Unwell and Bored with getting left out on the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Just about every spend Florida needs a Pageant. And not a person dedicate Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why not Wausau?
If you've under no circumstances been to Washington County, you almost certainly will think I am causeing this to generally be up. For those who have visited Washington County, you are going to realize - and know This may be a accurate Tale.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some quite potent possum politicians over the early '80s. Allow me to share a pair of points they attained:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the Preliminary Saturday in August as Possum here Day in Florida. That led to the building Along with the monument along State Freeway 77 in Wausau.

They even received America Congress to publicize the possum. Congress joined the pleasurable by providing the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau may have a place to carry its annual Fun Working day and Possum Festival. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, amid other points, the Pageant draws in plenty of men and women on a yearly basis, plus they adore it.
Day out for plenty of educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you simply call opossum, (Why use seven letters when six is going to do?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its unpleasant system only at night. This is why, when you're Within the suitable place set up Florida, it is possible to listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by pet dogs, the possum 'freezes', so it truly is uncomplicated to catch (or shoot) a single.
An inscription within the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's part in supplying 'both of those fur and food stuff' throughout the hundreds of years. It goes on say: 'Their presence right here has offered an origin of nutritious and flavorful foodstuff in regular situations and it's got been a major assist to human survival in instances of distress and significant need to have.'
Snicker in the event you'd like. The people of Wausau will snicker as well as you - although downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.