There's a dedicate Florida that built a twelve-foot-higher monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone wish to do that?
Nicely, to begin, heroes are complicated to study Within this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle money of scotland - Wausau, household of lower than 500 folks during Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero to mention the the very least? No one else puts the possum over a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, in 1982, Wausau got fed up with remaining neglected through the Florida lists of fun, fairs and festivals. Each and every put in position Florida demands a Pageant. And not one put in Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you most likely will Imagine I'm making this up. When you've got been to Washington County, you may have an understanding of - and know It is just a accurate Tale.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some quite potent possum politicians in early '80s. Allow me to share some things they accomplished:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the extremely to start with Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led for the creating Together with the monument together Condition Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even received The usa Congress Possum Control Melbourne to advertise the possum. Congress joined the enjoyable by supplying the resources for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau may have a location to carry its once-a-year Enjoyment Day and Possum Competition. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other matters, the festival appeals to lots of folks yearly, and they also find it irresistible.
Day trip for a few educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use seven letters when 6 will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and demonstrates its ugly human body only during the night time. That's why, when you're within proper set in position Florida, you may listen to possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', so Will probably be straightforward to lure (or shoot) a person.
An inscription throughout the monument in the middle of Wausau cites the possum's part in providing 'both equally fur and foods' throughout the centuries. It goes to say: 'Their existence here has offered a resource of nutritious and flavorful foods in ordinary occasions and possesses been a major assist to human survival when in distress and demanding need to have.'
Giggle if you prefer. The people today of Wausau will snicker along with you - although downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.