There's a invest Florida that developed a twelve-foot-high monument in the guts of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any individual want to do that?
Nicely, to start out, heroes get time and effort to study On this commit Florida - the Panhandle funds of scotland - Wausau, dwelling of less than 500 people in the midst of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero as you'll anticipate? No one else places the possum over a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, back again 1982, Wausau received Ill and weary with becoming omitted Together with the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Every single commit Florida demands a Pageant. Instead of just one spend Florida features a Possum Pageant. Why not Wausau?
If you've never ever been to Washington County, you most likely will Feel I'm developing this up. For those who have frequented Washington County, you will comprehend - and know it is a correct story.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some quite strong possum politicians noisy . '80s. Here's some things they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to your constructing inside the monument along Point out Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even obtained The usa Congress to sector the possum. Congress joined the enjoyable by providing the resources for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a place to keep its yearly Enjoyment Day and Possum Competition. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, amongst other items, the Pageant attracts tons of people yearly, and In addition they like it.
Day here out for a great deal of educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum is the same lowly animal you call opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will perform?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and displays its hideous physique only during the night time. That's why, if you are within ideal devote Florida, you could hear possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', thus it is actually very simple more than enough to hook (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription concerning the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's part in giving 'each fur and food stuff' throughout the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence listed here has presented an origin of nutritious and flavorful meals in typical moments and contains been a big help to human survival during occasions of distress and important want.'
Laugh if you love. The folks of Wausau will chuckle together with you - although downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.