A spot in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum
A spot in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum
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There's a set set up Florida that created a twelve-foot-high monument in the center of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would everyone really need to do that?
Well, to start out, heroes consider time and effort to exploration During this place in Florida - the Panhandle town of Wausau, residence of fewer than 500 persons in the midst of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an unlikely hero as you would hope? No person else puts the possum over a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back 1982, Wausau acquired Ill and tired of currently being left out While using the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Each and every devote Florida desires a Pageant. And not 1 put set up Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you have not attended Washington County, you most likely will Imagine I'm thus, building this up. If you have attended Washington County, you can recognize - and know This can be the true story.
Wausau, it wound up, experienced some rather highly effective possum politicians while in the early '80s. Here's some things they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the pretty initially Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led towards the building on the monument along Condition Highway 77 in Wausau.
They even acquired The usa Congress to sector the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment by the funds for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau may have a site to carry its once-a-year Fun Working day and Possum Pageant. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, amongst other issues, the Competition draws in Countless men and women Each individual and annually, and in order that they adore it.
Time out For numerous educating of Northerners below. The South's possum may be the similar lowly animal you connect with opossum, (Why use seven letters when six will do?) It's a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and demonstrates its ugly entire body only during the night time. That's why, When you are inside proper put in Florida, it read more is possible to hear possum hunters' puppies baying and barking. Treed by canines, the possum 'freezes', for that reason it truly is not so challenging to hook (or shoot) a person.
An inscription to the monument in the middle of Wausau cites the possum's part in providing 'both fur and food items' through the centuries. It goes onto say: 'Their existence right here has supplied a useful resource of nutritious and flavorful food stuff in normal occasions and contains been a substantial support to human survival when in distress and important need.'
Laugh in the event you'd desire. The people of Wausau will snicker along with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.