A spot in Florida - Let us Cheer the Lowly Possum

There is a set set up Florida that built a 12-foot-large monument in the course of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone should do that?
Very well, to start with, heroes are tough to return by on this spend Florida - the Panhandle metropolis of Wausau, dwelling of under five hundred persons in the heart of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero understandably? Nobody else puts the possum by using a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, again 1982, Wausau acquired Unwell and Weary of currently being disregarded through the Florida lists of fun, fairs and festivals. Just about every commit Florida wants a Pageant. Instead of just one place in position Florida encompasses a Possum Festival. Why not Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you most likely will Consider I'm thus, creating this up. When you have gone to Washington County, you can expect to recognize - and know this can be a legitimate story.
Wausau, it proved, had some really impressive possum politicians during the early '80s. Here's two issues they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led to your making with the monument alongside Condition Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even obtained The usa Congress to advertise the possum. Congress joined the entertaining via furnishing the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a area to guidance its once-a-year Pleasurable Working day and Possum Pageant. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, among other factors, the Pageant draws in Many individuals per year, and so they like it.
Trip for just a couple educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six is going to do?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and exhibits its unattractive overall body only at night. That's why, For anyone who is within proper spot in Florida, you may listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', so It really is very simple more than enough capture (or shoot) 1.
An inscription concerning the monument in the heart of Wausau cites the possum's position in providing 'the two fur and foodstuff' through the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence right here has offered an origin website of nutritious and flavorful food items in usual periods and possesses been a vital help to human survival through instances of distress and significant require.'
Chortle if you're keen on. The people of Wausau will giggle along with you - while downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.