A Place in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum

There is a location in Florida that designed a 12-foot-higher monument in the course of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any individual desire to do that?
Very well, to begin with, heroes are difficult to locate Within this put in position Florida - the Panhandle city of Wausau, household of lower than 500 persons in the course 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 puts the possum on a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, in 1982, Wausau got Sick and tired of currently being overlooked during the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Each devote Florida wants a Competition. Rather than just one commit Florida features a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't attended Washington County, you probably will Imagine I am As a result, creating this up. For those who have visited Washington County, you'll realize - and know this can be a genuine Tale.
Wausau, it wound up, experienced some quite effective possum politicians noisy . '80s. Here are a few points they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to the making with the monument along State Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even acquired The usa Congress to market place the possum. Congress more info joined the exciting by the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a spot to carry its yearly Entertaining Working day and Possum Festival. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, amid other factors, the Pageant attracts Lots of individuals every year, and so they adore it.
Outing for your several educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six can perform?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and exhibits its unsightly system only in the evening. That is why, when you're In the correct devote Florida, you are able to listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', so it will be not so difficult to hook (or shoot) one.
An inscription round the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's job in providing 'the two fur and foods' all over the generations. It goes on to say: 'Their presence here has supplied an origin of nutritious and flavorful meals in regular times and has been an important support to human survival when in distress and significant need to have.'
Chortle in the event you'd choose. The people today of Wausau will laugh along with you - whilst downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.