There is a place in position Florida that created a 12-foot-higher monument in the heart of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any person desire to do that?
Effectively, to start with, heroes are challenging to uncover in this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle funds of scotland - Wausau, dwelling of less than five hundred folks in the center of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero as you would probably count on? No person else places the possum about the pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back in 1982, Wausau received Bored with becoming disregarded during the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Each and every devote Florida demands a Pageant. And not just one spot in Florida carries a Possum Competition. Why not Wausau?
If you have not been to Washington County, you probably will Assume I am thus, making this up. For those who have absent to Washington County, you can recognize - and know This may be a true story.
Wausau, it proved, had some rather impressive possum politicians in early '80s. Listed below are some things they completed:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the Preliminary Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led to your constructing in the monument alongside Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even received the United States Congress to marketplace the possum. Congress joined the exciting by supplying the money for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau can have a location to maintain its once-a-year Enjoyment Working day and Possum read more Pageant. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other points, the Pageant appeals to Lots of people annually, as well as they adore it.
Day out for many educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you call opossum, (Why use seven letters when 6 can do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and exhibits its hideous physique only at nighttime. This is exactly why, if you find yourself inside the appropriate position in Florida, you are able to listen to possum hunters' canines baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', hence it can be very simple adequate seize (or shoot) a single.
An inscription concerning the monument during Wausau cites the possum's part in giving 'both fur and meals' throughout the whole centuries. It goes on say: 'Their presence right here has supplied an origin of nutritious and flavorful foods in regular occasions and contains been a major help to human survival when in distress and important want.'
Snicker In order for you. The people of Wausau will chuckle with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.