There is a put set up Florida that crafted a 12-foot-high monument in the middle of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody may like to do that?
Well, to start with off, heroes are tough to come by in this set in position Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland - Wausau, household of below 500 persons in the heart of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero as you should hope? No one else places the possum in excess of a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, previous 1982, Wausau got fed up with remaining neglected in the Florida lists of entertaining, fairs and festivals. Just about every place in place Florida needs a Pageant. And not 1 place in Florida features a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you've never visited Washington County, you almost certainly will Assume I'm creating this up. For those who have frequented Washington County, you can realize - and know It's really a accurate story.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some pretty effective possum politicians while in the early '80s. Listed here are two items they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the initial Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led towards the setting up from the monument together State Highway 77 in Wausau.
They even received The usa Congress in advertising and marketing the possum. Congress joined the enjoyable as a result of furnishing the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might need a location to guidance its yearly Entertaining Working day and Possum Pageant. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, among the other matters, the Pageant appeals to a lot of individuals annually, and Additionally they like it.
Outing for a few educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is analogous lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that life get more info in trees and displays its unpleasant human body only at night. That's why, If you're in the suitable devote Florida, you'll be able to hear possum hunters' canine baying and barking. Treed by pet dogs, the possum 'freezes', so It'll be not challenging seize (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription to the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's function in furnishing 'each fur and meals' during the total generations. It goes on to say: 'Their presence below has provided a useful resource of nutritious and flavorful foods in typical periods and is made up of been an important support to human survival when in distress and important will need.'
Giggle in the event you'd choose. The persons of Wausau will giggle alongside - while downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.