There's a devote Florida that constructed a twelve-foot-higher monument for the duration of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody should do that?
Well, very first off, heroes are tough to find in just this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland- Wausau, home of a lot less than 500 folks through Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero To place it mildly? No one else places the possum around a pedestal. Why don't you Wausau?
Next, back 1982, Wausau bought Ill and tired of remaining neglected within the Florida lists of fun, fairs and festivals. Each and every dedicate Florida demands a Pageant. Rather than one put in position Florida encompasses a Possum Competition. Why not Wausau?
If you have not been to Washington County, you probably will Imagine I'm Consequently, creating this up. In case you have long gone to Washington County, you are going to have an understanding of - and know this can be a true story.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some pretty effective possum politicians in the early '80s. Listed here are a handful of points they attained:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led towards the developing with the monument along Condition Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even received the United States Congress to advertise the possum. Congress joined the fun by way of providing the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau could have a spot to hold its once-a-year Enjoyable Working day and Possum Competition. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, between other items, here the Pageant attracts Lots of individuals every year, and Additionally they like it.
Outing for the couple of educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you contact opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will probably do?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and demonstrates its hideous body only at nighttime. That's why, In case you are within appropriate set in position Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by puppies, the possum 'freezes', so It truly is basic sufficient seize (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription round the monument for the duration of Wausau cites the possum's job in offering 'equally fur and food stuff' in the entire generations. It goes to say: 'Their presence here has supplied a source of nutritious and flavorful food items in usual moments and it has been a big assist to human survival far more distress and important want.'
Snicker if you love. The persons of Wausau will laugh along with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.