Grease is the word, along with watermelon
Jul 04, 2026
Esme Alvarez enjoys her watermelon slice. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Jack Aucoin successfully captures the flag atop the greasy pole. 
Lincoln Simpson tackles the watermelon eating contest.
Joe Fowler, 11, shows his winning form. 
Audience members cheer on the watermelon eating participants.
Esme Alvarez enjoys her watermelon slice. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Jack Aucoin successfully captures the flag atop the greasy pole.
Lincoln Simpson tackles the watermelon eating contest.
Joe Fowler, 11, shows his winning form.
Audience members cheer on the watermelon eating participants.
MIDDLEBORO -- What’s more American than apple pie?
Watermelon and Crisco.
That unlikely pairing formed the basis for two vintage July 4 events at Peirce Park on a sweltering holiday afternoon.
Young people of varying ages tried their hands and feet at climbing a pole liberally coated with Crisco. The greasy pole proved challenging to almost everyone.
Those who successfully captured the flags atop the poles used their height and leaping skills to avoid the slippery substance all together.
That was followed by a watermelon eating contest, when youngsters attempted to eat the sweet treat the fastest.
Everyone was a winner in this event, because the fluid-filled watermelon proved a welcome source of hydration during a stifling heat wave.
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