By Carol Wyatt
WAUSAU – After a pared-down 2020, organizers of Wausau’s iconic Possum Festival and Fun Day say the event is making a strong return.
Now in its 52nd year, the festival has returned under the direction of the Wausau Development Club and will offer several associated events leading up to the day-long celebration on Saturday, August 7.
The Fun Day pageant will return July 31, with Mr. and Miss Fun Day to be crowned in various divisions. The pageant begins at 5 p.m. Due to ongoing renovations at the Possum Palace, the pageant will be held at the Vernon Community Center. Pageant Director April Knight encourages the public to come support their favorite contestant. All pageant proceeds will benefit the Wausau Recreation Department.
The Possum Palace will be ready in time to host the famous Possum King and Queen contest, which begins at 7 p.m., Friday, August 6. Prizes will be awarded in the amount of $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place. Contestants may register the evening of event or by calling Fun Day Chairman James Walsingham at 850-768-4578. There is no registration fee for this event.
Fun Day will began early Saturday, August 7, with the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Wausau Masonic Lodge taking place from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The parade will begin downtown at 10 a.m., with welcoming ceremonies scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Possum Palace.
Possum Festival staples such as live music, the possum auction, and the hog calling, rooster crowing, and cow lowing competition are on the schedule, but Walsingham says festival goers can expect a few changes as well.
“We have worked to make the festival more kid friendly and family friendly,” said Walsingham. “There will be a lot of free kids activities, including bounce houses and the mechanical bull on Saturday. We want families to come out and enjoy themselves without parents having to break their pocketbook.”
Walsingham added that there will still be plenty of vendors offering various goods from food to arts and crafts.
COLLIN BREAUX 
Special to the News