There is a set set up Florida that built a 12-foot-superior monument in the middle of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any person would like to accomplish that?
Well, to begin with, heroes are complicated to analysis within just this devote Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland - Wausau, residence of less than 500 persons throughout Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero to convey the least? Nobody else puts the possum on the pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back again in 1982, Wausau got Weary of currently being disregarded from the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Each and every put in position Florida wants a Pageant. And never one particular dedicate Florida includes a Possum Festival. Why not Wausau?
If you have never attended Washington County, you probably will Consider I am Consequently, earning this up. When you've got visited Washington County, you will realize - and know this can be a legitimate story.
Wausau, it proved, had some fairly highly effective possum politicians while in the early '80s. Listed here are a number of items they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led on the building Together with the monument together Condition Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even got The usa Congress to promote the possum. Congress joined the entertaining by supplying the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a spot to hold its annual Enjoyable Day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other matters, the festival draws in thousands of men and women annually, plus they locate it irresistible.
Outing For numerous educating of Northerners right get more info here. The South's possum will be the identical lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and shows its ugly human body only at nighttime. This is why, For anyone who is inside of correct area in Florida, it is possible to listen to possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', so it's not so difficult to hook (or shoot) just one.
An inscription within the monument in the course of Wausau cites the possum's position in providing 'the two fur and foodstuff' all through the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence below has delivered a source of nutritious and flavorful meals in regular occasions and it's been A vital support to human survival when in distress and significant want.'
Snicker If you prefer. The people of Wausau will chortle in conjunction with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.