There is a put in Florida that built a 12-foot-superior monument throughout city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody want to do that?
Properly, to begin, heroes choose effort and time to acquire with this particular devote Florida - the Panhandle city of Wausau, dwelling of less than 500 people in the middle of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero understandably? No person else puts the possum over a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, back in 1982, Wausau acquired fed up with getting neglected with the Florida lists of enjoyable, fairs and festivals. Every single set in place Florida wishes a Pageant. Instead of just one set in place Florida includes a Possum Competition. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have never attended Washington County, you most likely will think I'm thus, producing this up. When you've got attended Washington County, you'll comprehend - and know This is actually the real story.
Wausau, it proved, had some very impressive possum politicians during the early '80s. Here are a pair of things they completed:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the incredibly initial Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led towards the building While using the monument alongside Condition Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even got America Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment by supplying the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a location to hold its yearly Entertaining Working day and Possum Pageant. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, between other issues, the Pageant attracts Lots of individuals yearly, as well as they obtain it irresistible.
Time out For several educating of Northerners here in this article. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will complete?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its unsightly physique only at night. This is exactly why, Should you be inside of proper invest Florida, you'll be able to hear possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by canine, the possum 'freezes', so Will probably be not so tough to hook (or shoot) one.
An inscription on the monument all through Wausau cites the possum's function in providing 'both of those fur and foods' through the entire centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence below has supplied a resource of nutritious and flavorful food items in normal instances and is made up of been an important support to human survival when in distress and demanding require.'
Laugh when you'd desire. The people today of Wausau will chortle along - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.