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

There's a area in Florida that developed a 12-foot-superior monument in the midst of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone have to do that?
Very well, 1st off, heroes are tough to research on this place set up Florida - the Panhandle metropolis of Wausau, dwelling of less than 500 people for the duration of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero to put it mildly? No person else puts the possum on the pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, final 1982, Wausau acquired sick and tired of being ignored on the Florida lists of entertaining, fairs and festivals. Each place in position Florida requires a festival. And not one particular invest Florida has a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have never been to Washington County, you almost certainly will think I am As a result, generating this up. For those who have visited Washington County, you'll comprehend - and know It's a correct Tale.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some rather strong possum politicians in early '80s. Listed here are some things they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the quite initial Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led to the making during the monument together Point out Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even bought the United States Congress to promote the possum. Congress joined the fun by giving the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau would've an area to carry its annual Enjoyable Working day and Possum Competition. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, among other things, the Competition attracts A large number of people each year, and so that they obtain it irresistible.
Time out for loads of educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you contact opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and displays its hideous human body only during the night. That's why, while you are inside the ideal spot in Florida, you'll be able to listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', so It can be simple to hook (or shoot) 1.
An inscription in regards to the monument during Wausau cites the possum's function in delivering 'the two fur and foods' from the complete centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence listed here has offered a resource of nutritious and flavorful food read more stuff in typical situations and possesses been an important aid to human survival in times of distress and demanding will need.'
Snicker if you love. The individuals of Wausau will laugh along with you - while downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.