A Place in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum

There is a spot in Florida that created a twelve-foot-large monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone wish to do that?
Nicely, 1st off, heroes are challenging to return by During this set in position Florida - the Panhandle city of Wausau, residence of less than 500 individuals for the duration of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero understandably? No person else places the possum on a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, previous 1982, Wausau bought fed up with currently being left out during the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Each make investments Florida wants a Pageant. Instead of just one set in place Florida features a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you've under no circumstances attended Washington County, you almost certainly will Believe I am creating this up. For those who have attended Washington County, you'll recognize - and know it is a true Tale.
Wausau, it proved, had some quite strong possum politicians in early '80s. Listed below are certain things they completed:


They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the really initial Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led towards the building inside the monument together Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.

They even obtained America Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the fun by the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might have a locale to assist its yearly Exciting Day and Possum Competition. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, amongst other items, the Pageant attracts A large number of folks each year, and In addition they like it.
Day out for a few educating of Northerners in this article. 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 life in trees and reveals its ugly entire body only in the evening. This is exactly why, If you're Within the ideal devote Florida, it is possible to listen to possum hunters' canines baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', so It's going to be simple to hook (or shoot) a single.
An inscription about the monument during Wausau cites the possum's part in giving 'both of those fur and food' through the whole Possum removal Camberwell centuries. It goes to say: 'Their presence here has supplied a source of nutritious and flavorful meals in normal situations and it's got been an essential help to human survival all through moments of distress and significant need.'
Chuckle when you'd prefer. The folks of Wausau will chortle in conjunction with you - when downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.