There is a put in position Florida that constructed a twelve-foot-higher monument in the course of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone would like to accomplish that?
Effectively, to begin with, heroes are challenging to obtain within just this devote Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland - Wausau, house of less than 500 people in the course of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero to say the least? No person else places the possum more than a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, past 1982, Wausau got sick and Sick and tired of getting omitted with the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Each and every spot in Florida would like a festival. And not just one set set up Florida carries a Possum Competition. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you almost certainly will Believe I am causeing this to be up. For those who have absent to Washington County, you are going to recognize - and know it is a accurate story.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some very strong possum politicians while in the early '80s. Listed below are a set of points they attained:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the quite initially Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led for the creating with the monument together Point out Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even bought the United States click here Congress to sector the possum. Congress joined the entertaining by furnishing the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a spot to hold its annual Exciting Working day and Possum Competition. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, amongst other points, the festival appeals to A huge number of men and women yearly, and in order that they like it.
Outing for many educating of Northerners right here. The South's possum is the same lowly animal you phone opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will almost certainly do?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and displays its ugly body only at night. That is why, any time you find yourself In the proper position in Florida, it is possible to listen to possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by canine, the possum 'freezes', so It truly is not hard to catch (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription with regards to the monument in the course of Wausau cites the possum's role in delivering 'both equally fur and foodstuff' throughout the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence below has delivered an origin of nutritious and flavorful meals in ordinary occasions and consists of been a vital support to human survival for the duration of occasions of distress and important need.'
Chuckle If you need. The persons of Wausau will laugh along - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.