A Place in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum

There is a commit Florida that designed a twelve-foot-large monument in the center of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody may like to do that?
Very well, to start with, heroes acquire effort and time to research with this place in place Florida - the Panhandle city of Wausau, dwelling of below five hundred people in the center of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero to mention the the very least? No one else places the possum on the pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Secondly, final 1982, Wausau got Unwell and fatigued with being omitted Together with the Florida lists of entertaining, fairs and festivals. Each individual dedicate Florida wants a Competition. Instead of 1 set in position Florida includes a Possum Pageant. Why not Wausau?
If you've in no way been to Washington County, you probably will Feel I am thus, making this up. If you have gone to Washington County, you are going to recognize - and know this is a legitimate story.
Wausau, it wound up, had some fairly powerful possum politicians in early '80s. Listed below are certain things they attained:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the First Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led to your constructing on the monument along Condition Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even received The usa Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment by supplying the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have an area to maintain its annual Enjoyable Working day and Possum Competition. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, between other factors, the festival appeals to Lots of individuals yearly, and in order that they adore it.
Time out for many educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you phone opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 will conduct?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its hideous system only during the night. That is why, when you find yourself within the proper commit Florida, you are able to hear possum hunters' dogs baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', so It'll be quick to catch (or shoot) a single.
An inscription around the monument in the midst of Wausau cites the possum's purpose in offering 'both fur and foodstuff' in the centuries. It goes onto say: 'Their existence here has offered a useful resource of nutritious and flavorful foods in usual occasions and it's been An important assist to human survival when in distress and critical want.'
Chuckle if you like. The folks of Wausau will chuckle with you - though downing baked Possum Proofing Melbourne possum and sweet potatoes.