Category Archives: St. Peter’s Fiesta

YOUR 2023 SUNDAY GREASY POLE CHAMPION DEREK HOPKINS!

Congratulations to Derek Hopkins for taking down his fifth Greasy Pole flag!

Derek was the second walker after the courtesy round. He grabbed the flag but not to a final victory, as it was left dangling, the third time that has happened over the course of the 2023 Greasy Pole contest. The dangling flag happened yet again (#4), this time midway through the first round.

At the top of the second round, Derek got a great hold and captured the flag. Not getting a firm hold and leaving the flag to dangle is a very unusual occurrence, and rarely happens even once in a competition, let alone four times.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY – FOR GREASY POLE WALKER NICK TAOROMINA

Nick came so close, I thought he should get a reel, too. It’s not easy being Greasy.

What happens when the flag is left dangling? The Massachusetts Environmental Police lend a hand!

FIESTA KIDS! VIVA SAN PIETRO

One of my favorite things about Fiesta is filming the children’s expressions of delight and wonderment!

OVER THE BRIDGE FANTASTIC FIESTA OPENING!

Loved, loved Over the Bridge for the opening night on the Fiesta altar stage!  I think I captured lots of great footage for the St. Peter’s Fiesta film (hopefully, and with permission from the band) and a few snapshots from their first set  – 

From the band’s website

Over The Bridge is a Reggae-Rock infused good time jam band with strong hip-hop influences raised by that dirty water on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

OTB is all about bringing you the best in “FEEL GOOD MUSIC” with a bit of Rock N Roll, Hip Hop and Reggae.

The year was 1998. Dave and Mike were somewhere around 7 years old. As co captains of the Ash colored U-8 soccer team they never imagined they would later cross paths in life to captain a different team. That team, was Over the Bridge.

It began one summer in 2014 when The Madfish Grille on Gloucester’s Rocky Neck needed a band for a Saturday night. Then bar manager Jonny Macdonald called Mike Forgette and asked if he could throw together a band to fill the slot.

That night much like others that Summer, felt so right that a few months later they decided to officially form the group now known as Over the Bridge. A play on a common saying used by Gloucester locals to describe a place far away or traveling “out of town”.

The boys of OTB individually have been
making music for over a decade, and together their different influences combine to create a style that is refreshingly original. A modern adaptation of reggae, beach rock, and hip-hop with lyrics that speak tales of the struggle of real life and love.

Fast-forward to 2018, they’ve released a self-funded, recorded and produced EP (Something in The Water 2016), played hundreds of shows across various States in the North East and down the East Coast, sharing the stage with names like The Elovaters, Bumpin Uglies, Tropidelic, New Kingston, Etana, Joe Sambo, Passafire, Ballyhoo!, Roots of Creation, Katastro, Pacific Dub, Of Good Nature, Tunnel Vision and many more. They’ve earned spots on area festivals such as Boston Freedom Rally, Higher Education Music Festival, Terptown Throwdown, Ziontific Summer Solstice Music Festival, Jersey Shore Festival, and Mountain Music Festival at Melody Mountain.

READ MORE HERE

What’s the best way for someone to check out Over the Bridge? 
FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @otbtunes
Facebook: @otbtunes

Track us on the BandsInTown App and stay hip with the latest show announcements!

Contact Info:

JOYFUL HEARTFELT NOVENA TO SAINT PETER, WITH A GIFT FROM EAST GLOUCESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Tonight marks the last night of the beautiful Novena to Saint Peter, held annually at the Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post. Doors open at 6pm, the Novena begins at 6:30, followed by Mass at 7:00pm.

With thanks and gratitude to the Novena Committee: Jeanne Linquata, Grace Cusamano, Caryn Ryder, Ann Sanfilippo, Joanne Aiello, Faye Quinlan, and Nina Groppo.

The wonderfully iridescent fishes are cut from paper kindergarten teacher Ann had in her art closet at East Gloucester Elementary School. All the ladies cut out the fishes and I think it’s one of the sweetest mementos to remember our beloved school by.

The Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post is located at 8 Washington Street, Gloucester

OFFICIAL SAINT PETER’S FIESTA 2023 SCHEDULE

DEREK HOPKINS YOUR 2022 SUNDAY GREASY POLE CHAMPION

Greasy Pole Walker phenom Dereck Hopkins captured the flag on the second walk of the first round. It wasn’t unexpected, as he strolled out to the very end of the Greasy Pole on the second walk of the courtesy round. Congratulations to Derek! 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

the agony

 

Santo Parisi, Friday Greasy Pole

 

VIVA!

Art Haven’s Fiesta VIVA! mural!

VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY NINE

Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Nine  is now available on YouTube.

The beautiful voices of the novena are Jean Marie Linquata, Ann Sanfillippo, Joanne Aiello, Nina Groppo, Grace Cusumano, Caryn Ryder, and Faye Quinlan

To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at  [https://youtu.be/eWxUHbV2WSI]

If you would like to make a donation for future St. Peter’s Fiesta, checks may be made out to: St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee

Send to: St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee

PO Box 3105

Gloucester, MA 01930

See below photos from the 2019 closing night novena and procession to Beach Court

Day Eight photos of the 2019 Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday morning procession.

Day Seven photos from Nonna, What is St. Peter’s Fiesta 2019 Gloucester Stage Production

Day Six photos from the 2019 Friday Opening Ceremony are posted here

Day Five photos from the 2019 Sunday Mass are posted here

Day Four photos from the 2018 novena are posted here

 Day Three photos from the 2019 novena are posted here

 

 

FATHER ANTONIO’S MASS IN HONOR OF ST. PETER

For the benefit of the Fishermen community of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Preparation to the feast of the Prince of the Apostles.

VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY FOUR

For Day Three, photos from the 2019 novena were posted here. The following batch of photos are from the 2018 novena.

Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Four is now available on YouTube. Please share. To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/Kkf9bKlAmmI]

Snapshots from Novena 2018 –

 

SAINT PETER’S FIESTA POSTPONEMENT DATES

This year’s 2020 Fiesta is scheduled to take place from Wednesday through Sunday, June 24th through June 28th. If a postponement were to occur, Fiesta President Joe Novello and the Fiesta Committee are waiting for final approval by the Special Events Committee to schedule postponement dates over the weekend of September 10th through the 13th. They are hoping to have a definite answer by May 5th. However, this is all contingent upon the State government’s mandated protocols.

You can read the full article in today’s Gloucester Daily Times

Thank You Alice Gardner!

Me in my happy place. Alice’s title is “Pure Joy” and that is precisely how I feel when working on film projects. Thank you Alice for sharing your photo from Saint Peter’s Fiesta!

NEW FILM: VIVA SAN PIETRO!

Thank you to our beautiful Gloucester community for participating in Viva San Pietro! Thank you to the Greasy Pole Walkers for interviews given during the Sunday rally and especially to Nicky Avelis for help coordinating. A huge thanks to Joe DaSilva for the suggestion to listen to Mike Forgette’s music for the film’s soundtrack and for help in contacting Mike. A tremendous thank you goes to Mike Forgette for granting permission to use his song “Whats the Difference” (link to hear more of Mike Forgette Music).

Viva San Pietro! opens with Joe Novello preparing Gloucester’s Saint Peter’s Square for the formal opening ceremony, to which he is also the master of ceremonies. Highlights from Friday afternoon’s sporting events are followed by the procession of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, around the American Legion Building (Gloucester’s first City Hall), with the parade ending in a fanfare of confetti and cheers. Mayor Sefatia Romeo Thekan takes to the stage and provides some history about the origins of the Fiesta. Senator Tarr and all officials give praise to the committee for their tireless dedication. Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante and City Councilor Steven LeBlanc rally the crowd with the traditional call and response that is heard throughout the city in the coming days, and Father Jim Achadinha gives his blessing.

Saturday’s Greasy Pole competition is featured with highlights from Joe DaSilva’s winning walk. Due to foul weather, Sunday’s events take place on Monday. The Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers in their zany and colorful costumes tell of past walks and wins at the rally held at the home of Sunday Walker Joe Sanfillipo. After processing through downtown with stops along the way at the Gloucester House Restaurant, House of Mitch, and Saint Peter’s Club, the Walkers head over to Beach Court. Because Sunday’s events had been postponed to Monday and the stage broken down on schedule, the statue of Saint Peter was temporarily moved to Beach Court. After blessings and prayers, the revelers headed back to Saint Peter’s Square to board the ferry to the Greasy Pole.

The men’s seine boat competition does not disappoint, with Lock and Load taking the trophy, followed by an outstanding flag capture by Jake Wagner.

The Walkers hoist Jake upon their shoulders and carry him to the Greasy Pole Hall of Fame Wall. Then it’s back to Beach Court where the closing ceremony is held. Congratulatory speeches are given by the team captains, with much cheering and accolades for all. After the award ceremony, the statue of Saint Peter is processed through the Fort amidst much merriment, joyful singing, and “Me chi samiou tutti mutti? Viva San Pietro!,” which roughly translated means: Are you all mute? (or Why are you not shouting?)—long live Saint Peter!

You’ll see all three Greasy Pole winners Joe DaSilva, Lenny Taormina, and Jake Wagner, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Thekan, House Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, State Senator Bruce Tarr, Sunday Greasy Pole Walker and City Councilor Steven LeBlanc, Peter Black Frontiero, Nicky Avelis, Joe Sanfilippo, Paul Nicastro, Kyle Barry, Mark Allen, Crazy Hat Ladies, sisters Robyn and Amy Clayton, and many, many more. Viva San Pietro!

New Film: Mark Allen ~ Sunday’s Greasy Pole Champion Walking for Loved Ones

Mark Allen Walking for Loved Ones

Congratulations to Mark Allen, the 2014 Sunday Greasy Pole Champion! This was Mark’s first win, after 16 previous years of walking! Allen was walking for for his cousin Peter “Black” Frontiero who has the second most wins of all time, with a total of nine.

Each year I look forward to filming and photographing the greasy pole events. The determination on the men’s faces, the camaraderie, the ecstasy and pride in winning, the anguish of defeat, the hilarious costumes, and the Felliniesque antics combine to create a fabulous fiesta of stories and images.

The film opens at the childhood home of the Giambanco Family, with Sefatia leading the Greasy Pole Walkers and guests in the rallying “Viva San Pietro,” the cheer that is heard throughout the city of Gloucester during Saint Peter’s Fiesta. Giambanco sisters Marianne, Grace, Rosaria, and Sefatia continue with their mother Rosalia’s, “Lia’s” custom of feeding the Greasy Pole Walkers dinner before the walk. The tradition began years ago when their brother, Anthony “Matza” Giambanco, began walking. Sefatia explains that Lia had always held a huge family feast with relatives from all around the country attending. The first year her brother walked he told his mom he couldn’t eat because he was meeting everyone. She said I don’t care; you have to eat, and told him to bring everyone back to their home. That was in 1978!

Next the Walkers head over to rally at the Gloucester House, where they greet Lenny shouting his name over and over, to a packed restaurant full of guests. Several more stops are made along the way before the next rally at the Saint Peter’s Club. The Walkers make one last stop to say a prayer to Saint Peter, and perhaps pin a gold charm or coin to the statue, before departing for the greased pole platform at Pavilion Beach

*    *    *

With special thanks and appreciation to Nicky Avelis and all the Greasy Pole Walkers for allowing me to ride on the boat. It went by way too fast! And thank you to the skipper for giving me a ride back to shore.

With thanks and appreciation to Rosaria, Sefatia, Marianne, and Grace for inviting me to come film the Walker’s rally at your welcoming Fiesta Sunday Feast!

The song “Love Runs Out,” is by OneRepublic for the reissue of their third album, Native.

The song “The Walker” is by Fitz and The Tantrums from the album More Than Just a Dream.

 

Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole Mark Allen ©Kim Smith 2014

Follow Kim on Twitter @kimsmithdesigns and be her friend on Facebook.

Greasy Pole Fall Classic Full Length Edit

As First Seen On Good Morning Gloucester

The Greasy Pole walk is a uniquely Gloucester Italian-American event that takes place every summer during the St. Peter’s Fiesta. The pole is rigged on a platform in the harbor off Pavilion Beach. The objective is to walk the heavily greased pole and capture the flag. During the fiesta three walks take place, one walk each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and there are three winners declared. Much bravado and celebrating takes place during and after walking the greasy pole. To see Greasy Pole videos from the summer of 2011 visit Good Morning Gloucester. To read more about the Greasy Pole and Gloucester’s annual St. Peter’s Fiesta visit the St. Peter’s Fiesta website.

This past autumn the platform rigged in the harbor that supports the pole was damaged first by Hurricane Irene, and then destroyed by a subsequent ‘noreaster. Roughly eighty thousand dollars is needed to reconstruct the platform. The Greasy Pole Fall Classic fundraiser, from where the video footage was shot, was held at the local football stadium, and is a one time only re-creation of the annual event that takes place in the harbor. Gloucester’s St. Peter’s Fiesta is attended by tens of thousands and is a beautiful celebration of St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. The Greasy Pole is a highlight of the fiesta, and just one of many religious and celebratory events.

Donations to restore the Greasy Pole may be sent to the following address:

St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee

P.O. Box 3105

Gloucester, MA 0193

Greasy Pole Fall Classic Video Special

As first seen On Good Morning Gloucester. The following is the program schedule for the video special that I produced for Good Morning Gloucester, which is also airing on Cape Ann TV this week.

Program schedule for The Greasy Pole Fall Classic airing on Channel 12, Cape Ann TV:

Wednesday, November 23 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, November 24 at 1:00 am and 6:30 pm

Saturday, November 26 at 7:30 pm

My Cape Ann readers know of the Greasy Pole. For my off -island readers, the Greasy Pole walk is a uniquely Gloucester Sicilian-American event that takes place every summer during the St. Peter’s Fiesta. The pole is rigged on a platform in the harbor off Pavilion Beach. The objective is to walk the heavily greased pole and capture the flag. During the fiesta three walks take place, one walk each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and there are three winners declared. Much bravado and celebrating takes place during and after walking the greasy pole. To see Greasy Pole videos from the summer of 2011 visit Good Morning Gloucester. To read more about the Greasy Pole and Gloucester’s annual St. Peter’s Fiesta visit the St. Peter’s Fiesta website.

This past autumn the platform rigged in the harbor that supports the pole was damaged first by Hurricane Irene, and then destroyed by a subsequent ‘noreaster. Roughly eighty thousand dollars is needed to reconstruct the platform. The Greasy Pole Fall Classic fundraiser, from where the video footage was shot, was held at the local football stadium, and is a one time only re-creation of the annual event that takes place in the harbor. Gloucester’s St. Peter’s Fiesta is attended by tens of thousands and is a beautiful celebration of St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. The Greasy Pole is a highlight of the fiesta, and just one of many religious and celebratory events.

Donations to restore the Greasy Pole may be sent to the following address:

St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee

P.O. Box 3105

Gloucester, MA 01930

Greasy Pole Fall Classic