Frank Longo Sr., with his son, Frankie Longo Jr., at the pole in the Italian Market. Longo Sr., who won the greased pole competition three times in the 90s, offers his memories, tips, and insight ahead of this year's Italian Market Festival, in which his son, Longo Jr., will attempt to climb the greased pole.Frankie Longo was on top of the world in 1997 — or at least on top of the tallest, greasiest free-standing pole in South Philadelphia.
“That’s when my inquisitiveness began,” he said. “When you have uncles and cousins doing it, it influences you to do it, but we never thought it would take off.” “Originally, it’s a bunch of friends but once people start climbing, other people start helping,” Longo said. “You start with five friends and 25 acquaintances and you leave with 30 friends.”“Everyone is Italian at the pole — Black, white, Puerto Rican — because a hand is a hand,” Longo said. “People have come up to me years later and said, ‘Do you remember me?’ and I say ‘Yes, I remember you. I stood on your shoulders. You’re a beast.
Today, climbing the pole comes with a few caveats. Participants must be at least 18, sign a waiver, and take a breathalyzer.
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