Keeping You Informed & Entertained Since 2007
990WBOB
  • WBOB READS
  • WBOB Radio
  • Past Casts
  • Weather
  • About
    • Contact
    • WBOB Press Releases
    • Join Our Team!
    • F Bomb Friday
    • CHARITY GALA
  • WBOB READS
  • WBOB Radio
  • Past Casts
  • Weather
  • About
    • Contact
    • WBOB Press Releases
    • Join Our Team!
    • F Bomb Friday
    • CHARITY GALA

It Ain't Easy Being Greasy

7/11/2013

Comments

 
By Kevin Aherne
Picture
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.
Picture
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...
Comments
    Picture

    Support WBOB Sports
    Click On Today's
    Sponsor


    Associated Press
    Sports Headlines

    Search
    WBOB Sports Archives

    NFL
    MLB
    College Football
    College Hoops
    NBA
    NHL
    Boxing
    MMA

    MiLB


    Picture

    The
    WBOB Sports
    Staff

    Senior Sports Writer
    Michael Parente 
    MP@990WBOB.com

    Senior Editor
    Kevin Aherne
    KA@990WBOB.com

    Writer,On Air Personality & Editor
    Adam Palazio
    Pal@990WBOB.com

    Beat Writer & Ast Editor
    Ryan Fox

    Info@990WBOB.com

    Chief Hockey Correspondent 
    Travis Barrett
    Info@990WBOB.com


    Staff Writer
    Pat Sullivan
    Info@990WBOB.com

    Other
    WBOB Sports Contributors


    WBOB Hockey Writer
    David Rivard 

    Football Correspondent
    Mike Ferguson
    - NoledOut.com

    Former NFL Player
    Patrick Pass


    NE Pats Expert
    Erick Scalavino
    - PFW.com


    Proud 
    WBOB Sports
    Supporters
    

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Contact 
    WBOB Sports 


    info@990WBOB.com


    Affiliate
    News
    Feeds

Search For Your Favorite WBOB Author,
​or BobCast

Featured Supporters

990WBOB 
An Independent Media Outlet.

The views opinions and thoughts expressed do not  reflect those of 990WBOB, its management or its staff. All Rights Reserved 990WBOB.com 2007-2016
​
Contact WBOB HERE

Contact Us

WBOB Reads

Live BOBCasts

Past Casts

Weather

Join Our Team!

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture