There is a devote Florida that designed a twelve-foot-large monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any person might love to do that?
Nicely, first off, heroes are challenging to come back by on this commit Florida - the Panhandle metropolis of Wausau, household of less than 500 folks in the midst of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero as you'll count on? No person else puts the possum around the pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, back again in 1982, Wausau received Fed up with staying ignored of your Florida lists of exciting, fairs and festivals. Each individual position in Florida wishes a Pageant. Instead of one particular commit Florida carries a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't visited Washington County, you most likely will Feel I'm generating this up. When you have absent to Washington County, you'll recognize - and know This may be a accurate story.
Wausau, it turned out, had some very impressive possum politicians in the course of the early '80s. Here are several points they attained:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to the building While using the monument alongside Point out Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even received The us Congress to promote the possum. Congress joined the fun by offering the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a place to guidance its once-a-year Enjoyment Day and Possum Pageant. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, amongst other items, the Competition appeals to tons of people Just about every and on a yearly basis, plus they adore it.
Outing for some educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use seven letters when six can do?) It is a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and exhibits its ugly physique only more info at nighttime. This is why, when you're inside the suitable dedicate Florida, you may listen to possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by canine, the possum 'freezes', so it can be quick to hook (or shoot) a single.
An inscription about the monument in the middle of Wausau cites the possum's function in delivering 'both fur and foodstuff' in the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence in this article has delivered a resource of nutritious and flavorful meals in regular moments and it's been A necessary support to human survival in situations of distress and critical need to have.'
Chortle if you prefer. The folks of Wausau will laugh with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.