It Ain't Easy Being Greasy

By Kevin Aherne

Hundreds of boats, thousands of spectators, dozens of participants, and one greased up pole...

Last week, while sitting on a boat in Gloucester Harbor, I was exposed to an event like none other I had ever experienced; the Greasy Pole Contest at Saint Peter's Fiesta.

The event, which has been held on the last weekend in June since 1931, has become widely known and celebrated throughout New England. Originally adapted from a Sicilian tradition, the Greasy Pole competion is pretty much what you would expect; dozens of liquored up contestants trying to walk across a greased up telephone pole, which has been suspended horizontally, 30 feet above the frigid ocean.

While it seems like a foolish excerise, this event is very important to the people of Gloucester.  It is the pinnacle event of the Fiesta, and the whole town comes out to cheer on the competitors. Yes, many do come out just to watch these brave souls fall to their demise, but once the flag is successfully removed, the victor becomes a local legend.

2013 Greasy Pole Champion Nicky Avelis is carried to shore by his fellow competitors.

And not just anybody is allowed to compete at Greasy Pole Sunday.  In order to walk the pole for the main event, you must either be a past Pole Champion (or legacy), or qualify by winning the Friday or Saturday competition. So, it is considered an honor to even have the right to fall off the lubed-up pole.

So, after multiple rounds, and hundreds of attempts, eventually, the flag is claimed, and a champion rises... or falls in this case.  The remaining contestants run on to the pole one more time, then dive (or fall) in once more.  This time however, it is to great their new town hero... and carry him to shore.

"The Greasy Pole is a most unique contest indeed. It takes place 200 feet off  Pavilion Beach. A forty-five foot telephone pole is attached to a platform and  extends out over the water. A red flag is nailed to a stick at the end of the pole which is then heavily greased. Then, one by one contestants take their turn  trying to tear off the makeshift flag pole before slipping and and falling into  the water. Some contestants sprint out like racehorses hoping momentum will carry them to the end of the pole. Others take a very slow approach, one step at  a time, always trying to maintain their balance. It is not uncommon for these  daring individuals to come away with scrapes, bruises or even broken ribs."

-From www.stpetersfiesta.org

Yes. I, Kevin Aherne enjoyed the Greasy Pole. Cue the jokes...