Gloucester Greasy Pole Contest Crowns 2025 Champion

Gloucester, Massachusetts, hosted its annual Greasy Pole contest at Pavilion Beach in June 2025 as part of the St. Peter's Fiesta, honoring the city's Italian-American fishing heritage. Participants attempted to cross a greased 40- to 45-foot telephone pole suspended over the harbor to capture a flag, often falling into the water to the delight of the crowd. Nick White, a 20-year-old Gloucester native recently hospitalized with a staph infection, won the contest in foggy conditions, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The festival featured past champions, seine boat races, live music, food vendors, and traditional Catholic ceremonies such as the Blessing of the Fleet. Winners are celebrated as local legends and paraded through town, reinforcing the community's spirit. The event remains a highlight of Gloucester's cultural calendar, drawing both locals and visitors.