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

There is a area in Florida that developed a 12-foot-higher monument in the middle of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone desire to perform that?
Effectively, to start with, heroes are difficult to discover within this place in Florida - the Panhandle city of Wausau, household of below five hundred people in the heart of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero to say the the very least? Nobody else places the possum on a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back in 1982, Wausau acquired sick and worn out with staying neglected inside the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Each commit Florida requires a festival. And not 1 spot in Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have not been to Washington County, you probably will Assume I'm thus, making this up. In case you have gone to Washington County, you'll have an understanding of - and know this can be a legitimate story.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some very strong possum politicians in early '80s. Listed here are two factors they attained:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the First Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led into the developing from your monument along Condition Freeway 77 in Wausau.

They even bought The us Congress in advertising the possum. Congress joined the fun by giving the cash for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau would've a location to carry its once-a-year Exciting Day and Possum Festival. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, get more info between other matters, the Competition appeals to Lots of people annually, and they also find it irresistible.
Day out for any couple of educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum is definitely the identical lowly animal you simply call opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 will almost certainly do?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and exhibits its unattractive body only at nighttime. That is why, In case you are inside of suitable put in position Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', therefore it is actually straightforward enough to entice (or shoot) 1.
An inscription across the monument during Wausau cites the possum's role in offering 'both of those fur and food stuff' throughout the whole generations. It goes on say: 'Their presence here has supplied a source of nutritious and flavorful foods in regular times and incorporates been a significant aid to human survival for the duration of occasions of distress and demanding need.'
Chuckle when you'd favor. The men and women of Wausau will chortle along with you - while downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.