There's a make investments Florida that designed a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the course of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone must do that?
Perfectly, very first off, heroes are challenging to find in just this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland - Wausau, property of fewer than 500 people in the middle of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero as you'll count on? No one else places the possum about the pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, back in 1982, Wausau bought Sick and tired of getting disregarded Along with the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Each and every devote Florida requirements a Pageant. And not one place set up Florida carries a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you most likely will Believe I'm making this up. When you have absent to Washington County, you will fully grasp - and know this can be a legitimate Tale.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some really powerful possum politicians over the early '80s. Here are two items they attained:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to the constructing with the monument together State Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even bought The us Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment by means of giving the resources for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a site to support its yearly Fun Working day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other factors, the Pageant attracts plenty of individuals Every single and yearly, moreover they obtain it irresistible.
Outing for many educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is comparable lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will accomplish?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and reveals its ugly entire body only during the night time. This is why, if you're inside the suitable dedicate Florida, you are able to listen to possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', so It's going to be quick to catch (or shoot) just one.
An inscription within the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's job in providing 'the two fur and food items' from the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence here has supplied a resource of nutritious and flavorful foods in typical instances and it's been A necessary assist to human survival in periods of distress and significant need.'
Giggle if you read more want. The people today of Wausau will chuckle with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.