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 place in Florida that developed a twelve-foot-higher monument in the heart of town to exalt the lowly possum. Now, why would anyone choose to do that?
Effectively, to start, heroes choose effort and time to study In this particular place set up Florida - the Panhandle town of Wausau, residence of lower than five hundred individuals in the course of Washington County about 10 miles south of Chipley.
Why don't you the possum, an not likely hero understandably? No person else places the possum around the pedestal. Why not Wausau?
Secondly, back 1982, Wausau bought Uninterested in being overlooked Using the Florida lists of exciting, fairs and festivals. Every single set in position Florida wants a Pageant. Instead of one devote Florida carries a Possum Festival. Why don't you Wausau?
If you haven't been to Washington County, you probably will Consider I'm causeing this to get up. In case you have attended Washington County, you can recognize - and know this is a genuine story.
Wausau, it turned out, experienced some fairly impressive possum politicians in early '80s. Here's a pair of issues they achieved:
They persuaded the Florida Legislature to proclaim the initial Saturday in August as Possum Working day in Florida. That led towards the building Using the monument along Condition Freeway 77 in Wausau.
They even obtained the United States Congress to market the possum. Congress joined the enjoyment as a result of offering the cash for Wausau's Possum Palace so Wausau may have a place to carry its yearly Fun Working day and Possum Festival. That includes a queen contest and possum auction, amid other points, the Pageant attracts Many of us on a yearly basis, and In more info addition they adore it.
Outing For most educating of Northerners below. The South's possum is the same lowly animal you get in touch with opossum, (Why use 7 letters when six will execute?) It is a smallish marsupial that lives in trees and shows its unsightly body only in the evening. This is exactly why, In case you are throughout the suitable position in Florida, it is possible to hear possum hunters' dogs baying and barking. Treed by pet dogs, the possum 'freezes', so it can be basic adequate to hook (or shoot) a person.
An inscription round the monument in the guts of Wausau cites the possum's purpose in providing 'both fur and food' throughout the total generations. It goes on to say: 'Their existence below has furnished a useful resource of nutritious and flavorful food items in typical occasions and has been a crucial help to human survival when in distress and demanding want.'
Chortle if you'd choose. The persons of Wausau will giggle with you - although downing baked possum and sweet potatoes.