Waverly, Tennessee, is gearing up to welcome locals and visitors alike with a festival this weekend that spotlights a quirky piece of local lore. The town is putting the spotlight on a creature known as the “possadillo,” a hybrid of possum and armadillo said to have originated in Waverly in the late 1980s.
Organizers are hosting the inaugural Possadillo Festival, which will include a 5K Run & Ramble. The festivities begin Friday evening with a “PastaDillo Dinner” downtown. On Saturday, the race will start after registration at 9 a.m., beginning and ending at the Waverly First Baptist Church on East Main Street.
Beyond the race, attendees can expect music, food vendors, craft booths, and more activities throughout the day. The celebration is designed not only to have fun but also to benefit a local nonprofit: the funds raised will support the Humphrey County Arts Council.
Residents say the possadillo legend has grown over time, with folks claiming that making certain sounds might lure the elusive creature out of hiding. This festival is a way to lean into that playful folklore while bringing people together around community, creativity, and a taste of local legend.