There's a commit Florida that created a twelve-foot-superior monument in the center of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would everyone wish to accomplish that?
Effectively, first off, heroes are hard to return by on this invest Florida - the Panhandle funds of scotland- Wausau, house of fewer than 500 persons in the middle of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero as you would probably hope? Nobody else puts the possum on the pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back again 1982, Wausau bought Ill and tired of staying left out in the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Each individual make investments Florida requirements a festival. And never a single devote Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why not Wausau?
If you haven't long gone to Washington County, you almost certainly will Feel I'm producing this up. When you have gone to Washington County, you may recognize - and know this is the accurate story.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some very highly effective possum politicians in early '80s. Listed here are a few points they achieved:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the initial Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led towards the constructing While using the monument along Point out Freeway 77 in Wausau.

They even received the United States Congress to market place the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment via providing the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau would've a spot to hold its once-a-year Pleasurable Working day and Possum Competition. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, among the other factors, the Competition draws in lots of folks each year, additionally they love it.
Time out for many educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum is similar lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use seven more info letters when six will probably do?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its hideous overall body only during the night. This is why, If you're throughout the right put in place Florida, you are able to listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', for that reason it really is simple to catch (or shoot) just one.
An inscription for that monument in the midst of Wausau cites the possum's position in giving 'both equally fur and food items' from the centuries. It goes on say: 'Their presence listed here has provided an origin of nutritious and flavorful foodstuff in ordinary instances and it's been a significant aid to human survival through moments of distress and critical want.'
Chortle in the event you'd choose. The individuals of Wausau will chuckle together with you - while downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.