There is a invest Florida that constructed a 12-foot-superior monument in the midst of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any one desire to perform that?
Very well, to start with, heroes are hard to investigate in this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle funds of scotland- Wausau, dwelling of below five hundred persons in the middle of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero understandably? Nobody else places the possum over a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Secondly, again 1982, Wausau acquired Ill and tired with remaining neglected in the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Every put in position Florida wishes a Competition. Instead of a single location in Florida includes a Possum Competition. Why not Wausau?
If you've got by no means frequented Washington County, you almost certainly will Believe I am Consequently, producing this up. In case you have attended Washington County, you will understand - and know this is the real story.
Wausau, it turned out, had some rather powerful possum politicians from the early '80s. Allow me to share some things they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the extremely 1st Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led into the building with the monument alongside Point out Freeway 77 in Wausau.
They even obtained The us Congress to promote the possum. Congress joined the pleasurable by offering the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a location to hold its annual Enjoyment Working day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other points, the Pageant attracts many here people on a yearly basis, in addition they obtain it irresistible.
Day trip for a few educating of Northerners right here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you simply call opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its unattractive body only at night. That's why, when you find yourself in the right invest Florida, you may hear possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', so it's easy seize (or shoot) just one.
An inscription for the monument in the midst of Wausau cites the possum's part in furnishing 'both fur and food' from the hundreds of years. It goes on to say: 'Their presence listed here has delivered an origin of nutritious and flavorful meals in typical times and incorporates been An important support to human survival when in distress and demanding require.'
Laugh if you're keen on. The men and women of Wausau will laugh along - whilst downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.