On May 21, 2022, a team from Pace Roofing LLC won the greased pole climbing competition at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia. This event was part of the broader festival activities which took place over the weekend, featuring over 100 vendors along with live music and other contests. Their victory was achieved on their second attempt to scale the 30-foot pole, which was coated in lard, to retrieve prizes consisting of meat and cheese.
The Italian Market Festival celebrates the diverse immigrant communities that have shaped the area over the past 150 years, highlighting local businesses and culture. This annual event includes long-standing traditions such as the Procession of Saints and the greased pole contest, originally derived from Italy. The festival typically hosts a variety of activities, from musical performances to food competitions, drawing both local residents and visitors to the historic market area of South Philadelphia.