A location in Florida - Let us Cheer the Lowly Possum

There's a place set up Florida that crafted a 12-foot-significant monument throughout city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any individual ought to do that?
Nicely, to start with off, heroes are challenging to find inside of this invest Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland- Wausau, house of beneath five hundred folks during Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero understandably? No person else puts the possum having a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, again 1982, Wausau bought sick and Bored with being overlooked While using the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Every single commit Florida needs a Pageant. And not just one set in place Florida encompasses a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you most likely will Believe I'm Consequently, creating this up. When you have absent to Washington County, you'll recognize - and know This may be a real story.
Wausau, it proved, had some quite strong possum politicians throughout the early '80s. Allow me to share several factors they achieved:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the initial Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to the building Together with the monument together Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even bought The us Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment by the resources for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might need a location to carry its yearly Pleasurable Day and Possum Festival. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, among other items, the Pageant attracts heaps of individuals on a yearly basis, and in order that they come across it irresistible.
Day out For several educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is definitely the equivalent lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will do?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its unpleasant overall body only at night. That's why, if you're while in the suitable dedicate Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canine, the possum 'freezes', so it's easy to hook (or shoot) one.
An inscription about the monument in the course of Wausau cites the possum's part in giving 'both fur and foods' through the generations. here It goes on to say: 'Their presence listed here has presented a supply of nutritious and flavorful food stuff in ordinary situations and it's got been A vital support to human survival in occasions of distress and critical will need.'
Chuckle if you prefer. The individuals of Wausau will chortle along with you - when downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.