Frankie Longo Jr. is climbing in his father's footsteps. The 18-year-old senior at Neumann Goretti High School — and son of grease pole climbing legend Frank Sr. — will take his first crack at scaling the pig lard-slathered pole at the Italian Market Festival this weekend.
Pole climbing is practically an Olympic sport for Philadelphians who celebrate our sports teams' success by madly ascending city property, despite it being greased with hydraulic fluid as a deterrent. Pole climbing traces its origins back to Italy and is the marquee event during Philly's annual Italian festival. Dozens of participants willingly sign legal waivers and undergo Breathalyzer tests to get their chance on the pole.
