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

There is a set in place Florida that developed a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone really need to do that?
Nicely, to begin with, heroes take effort and time to receive inside of this location in Florida - the Panhandle money of scotland- Wausau, dwelling of below five hundred individuals in the middle of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero as you'd hope? No person else puts the possum to the pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Secondly, again in 1982, Wausau got fed up with becoming disregarded in the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Every single dedicate Florida demands a Competition. Instead of one particular put in position Florida carries a Possum Competition. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have not frequented Washington County, you most likely will Imagine I am making this up. Should you have attended Washington County, you may have an understanding of - and know It's a real Tale.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some really strong possum politicians inside the early '80s. Here i will discuss certain things they completed:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led into the developing in the monument together Condition Highway seventy seven in Wausau.

They even obtained The usa Congress to advertise the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment by providing the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a spot to keep its yearly Fun Day and Possum Competition. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, among the other items, the Pageant draws in Many of us on a yearly basis, they usually like it.
Trip for loads of educating of Northerners listed here. The South's possum could be the similar lowly animal you call opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and displays its unsightly overall body only at nighttime. That is why, any time you end up inside correct spot in Florida, you could listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canine, the possum 'freezes', therefore it's not so complicated capture (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription around the monument more info in the guts of Wausau cites the possum's part in providing 'both equally fur and food' through the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence below has offered an origin of nutritious and flavorful foods in standard times and possesses been an important guide to human survival when in distress and critical want.'
Laugh if you like. The folks of Wausau will chortle together - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.