COVID-19 does not stop annual greasing of the poles; See Photos

Greasing of the Poles

A much different version of the annual Greasing of the Poles took place at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday (Feb. 12). Instead of happening on a crammed Bourbon Street; four contestants, two judges, and a few hotel staff and media attended the tradition inside the hotel's courtyard.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

"Cheat Sheet"

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Malik Mingo, host of WWLTV's Great Day Louisiana, dressed as artist Bob Ross for the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Al Gross, Royal Sonesta New Orleans general manager, uses a spray gun to disinfect the poles that were to be lubricated for the 51-annual, coronavirus version, of the Greasing of the Poles on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Greasing of the Poles host Kenny Lopez

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

The essentials for he annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleatns on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Burlesque performer Jeez Loueez dances into the courtyard as a contestant for the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Kennny Lopez host, left with Malik Mingo, host of WWLTV's Great Day Louisiana, dressed as artist Bob Ross for the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Burlesque performer Jeez Loueez at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Malik Mingo, host of WWLTV's Great Day Louisiana, dressed as artist Bob Ross for the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Malik Mingo, host of WWLTV's Great Day Louisiana, dressed as artist Bob Ross for the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Kelsey Campion, chief sequin officer of Fringe + Co., checks her greasing skills on a pole at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Burlesque performer Jeez Loueez at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Burlesque performer Jeez Loueez at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Malik Mingo, host of WWLTVs Great Day Louisiana, dressed as artist Bob Ross for the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Kelsey Campion, chief sequin officer of Fringe + Co., checks her greasing skills on a pole at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Contestant Tammy O'Shea dances around a pole as she greases it with Vaseline at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Kelsey Campion, chief sequin officer of Fringe + Co., checks her greasing skills on a pole at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Contestant Tammy O' Shea dances around a pole as she greases it with Vaseline at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.

poles

51st Annual ‘Greasing of the Poles’ at Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Three Contestants, at the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on Friday, February 12, 2021.