More Than You Need To Know About Wausau, Florida The small town of Wausau, Florida, population just over 400, holds a very big title- ‘<strong>Possum</strong> Capital of the World’. To celebrate this ubiquitous animal, the town holds an annual Fun Day and <strong>Possum</strong> <strong>Festival</strong>, a totally free event on the first Saturday in August, and the world is invited. You’re likely to see local, regional and even national political figures at the Wausau <strong>Possum</strong> <strong>Festival</strong>, especially during election cycles, and the event was recently highlighted by Women’s Day Magazine as one of the ‘world’s most unique festivals’. Admittedly one of the most unusual festivals you are likely to attend, this event celebrates the <strong>Possum</strong>, a marsupial which thrives in this part of Florida and which helped the local population survive the Great Depression in the early 20th century. Drawing attendees from all over the Southeast United States, the event is always held the first Saturday in August, and the scheduled entertainment includes Bluegrass, Country and Gospel performers. Arguably the hottest day of the year, the event includes a large parade, arts and crafts, food (try the possum stew and possum ice cream) and a <strong>Possum</strong> Auction. The annual <strong>Possum</strong> King and Queen Contest is held the evening prior to the <strong>Festival</strong> and this is something that you have to experience to believe. Wausau is in Washington County, Florida, United States, about 9 miles south of Chipley and Interstate 10. Wausau has a total area of 1.1 square miles, all of it land, and there are approximately 170 households, and 110 families residing in the town. This equates to a population density of around 352 people per square mile with a racial makeup of 94.47% Caucasian, .50% African American, 0.75% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 3.52% from two or more aces. Hispanics or Latinos make up 2.51% of the population. The population consists of 26.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years and for every 100 females there are 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89 males. The median income for a household in the town is $21,000, and the median income for a family was $23,000. The per capita income for the town is $10,722 and about 25% of families and 29.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.2% of those under age 18 and 19.7% of those aged 65 or over. Wausau has an elevation of 85 feet above sea level. All these (very dry) statistics aside, however, the reality is that Wausau, Florida, along with the rest of Washington County, offers what we like to call ‘The Real Florida’- a pristine, unspoiled slice of a very relaxed lifestyle and a quality of life sometimes all too hard to find. So enjoy your time here as our guest during the <strong>Possum</strong> <strong>Festival</strong>, but make plans to visit us again soon. You will find that there is a quality of life, accompanied by a laissez-faire attitude that is appealing and a refreshing change from urban or highpressure areas. You’ll find that this area is a great place to raise a family, relocate a business or to retire. For more information about Wausau, Florida and to view more photos, video clips, and interviews, visit us on Facebook at Real Florida Magazine, or listen to interviews on FPTC Radio, the voice of Florida Panhandle Technical College at www.FPTCRadio.com. 28 50th Annual Wausau <strong>Possum</strong> <strong>Festival</strong> <strong>Program</strong> - August <strong>2019</strong> www.Wausau<strong>Possum</strong><strong>Festival</strong>.com
Welcome to the 50th Annual Wausau <strong>Possum</strong> <strong>Festival</strong> www.Wausau<strong>Possum</strong><strong>Festival</strong>.com 50th Annual Wausau <strong>Possum</strong> <strong>Festival</strong> <strong>Program</strong> - August <strong>2019</strong> 29