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Here’s what you missed at the 2019 Greasy Pole contest in Gloucester

Missed the famed slippery competition at St. Peter’s Fiesta? Here’s what it looked like.

Derek Hopkins grabs the flag during the Greasy Pole Walk of Champions at Pavilion Beach on Sunday. Erin Clark for The Boston Globe

By Dialynn Dwyer

July 1, 2019

1 minute to read

Dozens of hopefuls attempted to claim victory at Gloucester’s Greasy Pole contest over the weekend — but one competitor swept the trifecta. Derek Hopkins, 18, reached out to grab the flag on each day of the contest. “It feels absolutely crazy, I grew up loving the pole, my dad’s a champ, I grew up walking the backyard pole, and I’ve been just waiting for this day,” the teen told CBS Boston after his first victory on Friday. “It’s crazy that it’s here, I can’t believe I took it.”The annual event, part of the city’s St. Peter’s Fiesta, dates back to 1931 and draws thousands of spectators to Pavilion Beach. Each year participants attempt to make their way out to the end of a grease-covered telephone pole and snatch the flag nailed to the end.

The contest took place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the third day of competition only comprised of the previous winners and past champions.

This year, Hopkins claimed victory each day. Watch the competition in all its greasy glory — along with expert commentary — below:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

More photos

Greasy Pole Walkers, before the Greasy Pole Walk of Champions at Pavilion Beach on Sunday.

Erin Clark for The Boston Globe

Derek Hopkins, center, leads a chant while Greasy Pole Walkers march through the streets en route to the Greasy Pole Walk of Champions at Pavilion Beach on Sunday.