NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Musician Amanda Shaw won the 56th annual greasing of the poles competition at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street Friday morning.
Four people competed for the title of 2026 Greasing Champion. The tradition started as a way to keep people from climbing the hotel’s poles.
Shaw used the bow of her fiddle during the competition. She briefly ran inside after a wardrobe malfunction but returned to complete the event.
“They do call me the Queen of Cajun Country for a reason,” Shaw said. “So, but, you know, sometimes you just gotta bring your bow and, you know, whip it out just when you need it. So, I did all of my violin warm-ups with my hands this morning.”
Competitors use unique strategies
Each competitor used different strategies during the event. Some used their boots to grease the lower level of the pole while working the top with their hands.
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The judges gave Shaw the highest score and bragging rights for a year.
Fleurty Girl owner Lauren Haydel attended the event wearing a headband decorated with a jar of grease, a ladder and Royal Sonesta Hotel poles.
Security measures in place
Bourbon Street is closed to vehicles. The National Guard has closed the gate at Bourbon and Canal and is conducting backpack checks before allowing people onto Bourbon Street.
The Krewe of Dolly was seen strolling down Bourbon Street after the competition.
Weekend parade schedule
Several parades will roll this weekend leading up to Mardi Gras Day. The Krewe of Iris and the Krewe of Tux will roll Saturday. Endymion will roll Saturday in Mid-City, ending at the Superdome.
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The Krewe of Isis will roll Saturday in Kenner at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, the Krewe of Athena will roll in Metairie. Okeanos, Mid-City, Thoth and Bacchus will roll uptown.
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