This Kentucky Town Celebrates Local Wildlife With PossumFest 2023

I have a confession to make. I love possums. While most folks might say these critters are nasty varmints, I think they are so adorable!

Now, I did have an experience with a possum that scared the bejeezus out of me years back when I was in high school. It had gotten in the garage and when I went out to do laundry late at night, two little eyes glowed back at me in the dark. I screamed bloody murder and my dad came to see what was going on. I wouldn't let him do anything that would hurt it, so he grabbed the water hose and tried to spray it out. Didn't work. Everything in the garage was SOAKED and the little possum just stayed cozy under a stack of luggage. I secretly gave it cat food until it must have found its way out.

A Possum Festival in Cumberland, KY

I recently learned of a festival in Cumberland, KY that celebrates the affectionately named "Trash Cat," and it just so happens to be coming up this weekend. October 14th from 3 pm to 9 pm. Prime possum hours. Their event page calls it "The weirdest and most wonderful block party around!"

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PossumFest 2023 Food & Fun

This is the second year for this festival after last year was a huge hit. With over 80 unique vendors, activities for kids and families on the Possum Playground, a Stepp Fitness Roadkill Rig Challenge, and live music, it's safe to say this year is going to be awesome too. Plus, the infamous Edgar the Possum and Beth Vaughn of Mountain View Rescue will be there to promote rehabilitating wildlife and there will be plenty of photo opportunities to make some memories.

One of the food trucks that will be there has a really creative menu.  Try some Pothole Possum Chili, some Roadkill Nachos, or a deep-fried Possum Pie.  Um, that is totally a fried Moonpie, by the way. That sounds SO GOOD. Community Agricultural Nutritional Enterprises, Inc.- CANE understood the assignment. Don't worry, it's not ACTUAL possum!

I absolutely love festivals like this. One of a kind with lots of clever events and ways to celebrate something special to the area. Bar-B-Q, Honey, Apples, and yes, even Possums!