An area in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum
An area in Florida - Let's Cheer the Lowly Possum
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There is a spot in Florida that designed a 12-foot-higher monument in the heart of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would any one choose to do that?
Well, initial off, heroes are really hard to return by Within this dedicate Florida - the Panhandle cash of scotland - Wausau, house of less than five hundred people in the course of Washington County about ten miles south of Chipley.
Why not the possum, an not likely hero to say the the very least? No one else places the possum on a pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Next, final 1982, Wausau obtained sick and weary with becoming omitted Along with the Florida lists of entertaining, fairs and festivals. Just about every make investments Florida wants a festival. Rather than a person set in position Florida carries a Possum Pageant. Why not Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you most likely will Feel I am So, producing this up. For those who have long gone to Washington County, you can expect to comprehend - and know that is a legitimate story.
Wausau, it proved, experienced some very impressive possum politicians in early '80s. Listed here are certain things they completed:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the very initially Saturday in August as Possum Day in Florida. That led for the making of your monument along Point out Highway 77 in Wausau.
They even obtained The usa Congress to marketplace the possum. Congress joined the enjoyable by giving the cash for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau may need a place to carry its once-a-year Exciting Working day and Possum Pageant. Showcasing a queen contest and possum auction, between other items, the Pageant appeals to loads of people Every and each year, plus they adore it.
Outing for many educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is identical lowly animal you call opossum, (Why use 7 letters when 6 will probably do?) It is a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and displays its unappealing body only at nighttime. That is why, Should you be inside of right set in place Florida, you can listen to possum hunters' canines baying and barking. Treed by dogs, the possum 'freezes', so It is not difficult to hook (or shoot) 1.
An inscription across the monument in the middle of Wausau cites the possum's part in furnishing more info 'both fur and foods' in the entire centuries. It goes on to say: 'Their presence here has provided a source of nutritious and flavorful meals in regular times and it has been A vital aid to human survival in situations of distress and significant need.'
Giggle if you want. The people of Wausau will chuckle with you - though downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.