There's a make investments Florida that crafted a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would everyone ought to do that?
Well, to begin, heroes are tough to search out in just this area in Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland- Wausau, home of less than five hundred people in the midst of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an unlikely hero understandably? No person else places the possum over the pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, previous 1982, Wausau obtained Ill and Bored with getting disregarded With all the Florida lists of fun, fairs and festivals. Each and every devote Florida demands a Competition. Rather than one particular set in position Florida carries a Possum Competition. Why not Wausau?
If you have not been to Washington County, you most likely will think I'm making this up. Should you have long gone to Washington County, you may comprehend - and know This may be a real story.
Wausau, it proved, had some rather impressive possum politicians noisy . '80s. Here i will discuss a few issues they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the extremely initial Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led for the developing inside the monument along Point out Freeway 77 in Wausau.

They even received The us Congress to promote the possum. here Congress joined the exciting as a result of supplying the resources for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a location to hold its yearly Exciting Working day and Possum Pageant. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, amid other issues, the Pageant appeals to Many individuals each year, moreover they like it.
Outing for the couple educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you call opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 will probably do?) It is a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and reveals its unappealing human body only at nighttime. That is why, In case you are inside ideal position in Florida, you are able to listen to possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', as a result it really is not so challenging seize (or shoot) one.
An inscription for your monument in the heart of Wausau cites the possum's part in giving 'both of those fur and meals' all over the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence right here has offered a source of nutritious and flavorful food items in usual situations and has been a significant help to human survival far more distress and important want.'
Snicker if you like. The individuals of Wausau will chortle along - although downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.