Grease Pole Climbing Competition

2024 Pole Climbing Schedule

Saturday, May 18
1:30 & 3:30pm

Sunday, May 19
1:30 & 3:30pm

An Italian Market Tradition

The Grease Pole, or Albero Della Cuccagna in Italian, is an old tradition in which teams compete in climbing to the top of a greased pole to reach prizes of meats, cheeses, gifts, and money. Perhaps even more important to the winning team are the bragging rights… until next year.

The pole is 30 feet high, greased with lard, and you will find it at the 9th & Montrose Piazza!

https://youtu.be/iQgZfqZvp9s