There's a commit Florida that built a twelve-foot-substantial monument in the midst of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any one desire to do that?
Perfectly, to start with, heroes are hard to seek out in this put in place Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland- Wausau, dwelling of much less than 500 individuals in the course of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero To place it mildly? No one else places the possum with a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, in 1982, Wausau acquired fed up with becoming omitted from the Florida lists of exciting, fairs and festivals. Every single area in Florida wants a Competition. And not just one devote Florida contains a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't frequented Washington County, you probably will Feel I am creating this up. Should you have absent to Washington County, you may fully grasp - and know it is a legitimate Tale.
Wausau, it wound up, had some really effective possum politicians inside the early '80s. Listed below are two items they accomplished:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led on the creating from your monument together Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even got the United States Congress to current market the possum. Congress joined the fun by providing the cash for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau can have a spot to assist its annual Enjoyable Working day and Possum Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, among other items, the Competition attracts A huge number of persons Every and each year, and in order that they discover it irresistible.
Outing to get a handful of educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use seven letters when six is going to do?) It is a smallish marsupial that lives read more in trees and reveals its ugly body only during the night time. This is why, if you're from the suitable place in position Florida, it is possible to listen to possum hunters' pet dogs baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', so It really is easy seize (or shoot) just one.
An inscription about the monument in the course of Wausau cites the possum's purpose in giving 'both equally fur and foodstuff' through the entire hundreds of years. It goes on say: 'Their presence in this article has supplied an origin of nutritious and flavorful food items in ordinary times and possesses been a vital support to human survival when in distress and important have to have.'
Snicker if you want. The people today of Wausau will giggle along - while downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.