There is a place in Florida that constructed a 12-foot-high monument in the middle of city to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anybody would like to do that?
Very well, initial off, heroes are tough to have During this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle capital of scotland- Wausau, home of under 500 persons in the heart of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero to mention the least? No person else places the possum on a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back in 1982, Wausau acquired Unwell and Fed up with staying left out from your Florida lists of exciting, fairs and festivals. Each and every place in place Florida wishes a Pageant. Instead of one particular set in position Florida incorporates a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have not visited Washington County, you most likely will Believe I'm producing this up. Should you have long gone to Washington County, you may comprehend - and know It is just a accurate story.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some fairly strong possum politicians during the early '80s. Allow me to share two or three matters they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led for the developing While using the monument along Condition Freeway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even acquired America Congress to promote the possum. Congress joined the exciting by offering the cash for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau might need a site to carry its annual Entertaining Day and Possum Festival. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, among other things, the Competition draws in lots of folks annually, and so they like it.
Day out For several educating of Northerners right here. The South's possum is the same lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will perform?) It's a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its unattractive entire body only in the evening. This is why, if you find yourself inside the correct devote Florida, you could listen to possum hunters' canines baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', so it's straightforward seize (or shoot) just one.
An inscription round the monument in the center of Wausau cites the possum's job in offering 'the two fur and foodstuff' throughout the centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their existence right here Possum Catcher Melbourne has offered an origin of nutritious and flavorful foodstuff in usual situations and it has been An important assist to human survival when in distress and critical will need.'
Giggle If you need. The folks of Wausau will chuckle along with you - even though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.