A Place in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum
A Place in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum
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There is a devote Florida that created a 12-foot-high monument all through town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone wish to do that?
Properly, initial off, heroes are hard to obtain on this commit Florida - the Panhandle funds of scotland - Wausau, dwelling of less than 500 persons in the course of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an unlikely hero as you'll anticipate? Nobody else places the possum about a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, back again 1982, Wausau got Ill and worn out with becoming neglected on the Florida lists of enjoyment, fairs and festivals. Every devote Florida demands a Pageant. And never 1 set set up Florida includes a Possum Pageant. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't long gone to Washington County, you almost certainly will Believe I am building this up. For those who have attended Washington County, you are going to recognize - and know Here is the genuine Tale.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some quite powerful possum politicians while in the early '80s. Listed below are two points they completed:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the 1st Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led to the setting up from your monument along Condition Highway seventy seven in Wausau.
They even acquired the United States website Congress to promote the possum. Congress joined the entertaining by providing the resources for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau may need a place to carry its yearly Exciting Working day and Possum Festival. Featuring a queen contest and possum auction, among other issues, the Competition appeals to A large number of folks Every and every year, and In addition they adore it.
Outing for many educating of Northerners here. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use seven letters when 6 will accomplish?) It is a smallish marsupial that life in trees and shows its ugly body only during the night. That's why, When you are within right dedicate Florida, you may listen to possum hunters' dogs baying and barking. Treed by canine, the possum 'freezes', so It truly is not so complicated to hook (or shoot) one particular.
An inscription round the monument in the guts of Wausau cites the possum's function in furnishing 'both equally fur and food stuff' in the hundreds of years. It goes on say: 'Their presence here has presented a supply of nutritious and flavorful food stuff in normal times and contains been a crucial guide to human survival when in distress and critical need.'
Giggle for those who'd desire. The people of Wausau will giggle along - although downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.