Clementsvale’s Patrick Sanford, 14, won the grease pole contest July 26 at the Bear River Cherry Carnival. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentPatrick Sanford’s strategy for the grease pole contest was simple.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“Go forward, run fast (and) grab the flag,” he said July 26 after winning one of the signature events of the Bear River Cherry Carnival.Article contentArticle contentThe 14-year-old manoeuvred down the 70-foot pole like an experienced veteran of the prestigious event, but it was his first time participating. Contestants have to be at least 12 years old.Article contentArticle contentThis year’s event was scheduled to begin at noon, but the start time was pushed back due to the tide. The first of 53 contestants stepped up onto the pole at 12:37 p.m.Article contentPeople lined the banks behind the Bear River fire hall. They oohed and aahed as people made their way out onto the pole and inched closer to the Canadian flag at the end. Some contestants made it far enough to qualify for subsequent rounds while others took a dip in the drink.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentPatrick was the first to capture the flag when he grabbed it in the fourth round at 1:59 p.m. Losing his grip while running on the lard-covered pole, he dove for the flag.Article content Patrick Sanford makes his way down the grease pole before diving for the Canadian flag and ending up in the Bear River victorious. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentArticle content Patrick Sanford makes his way down the grease pole before diving for the Canadian flag and ending up in the Bear River victorious. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentArticle content Patrick Sanford makes his way down the grease pole before diving for the Canadian flag and ending up in the Bear River victorious. Photo by Jason Malloy /Jason MalloyArticle contentArticle content“I didn’t think I was getting it,” he later admitted.Article contentBut the applause told him otherwise. Fans cheered as Patrick hit the water and continued to celebrate his achievement as he swam to shore.Article content“It’s pretty spectacular,” Patrick said, noting it was great to hear people cheering for him.Article contentPatrick also earned $100 for winning the competition. Bear River Grocery donated the first-place prize.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentSo, will Patrick be back next year to defend his title?Article content“Hopefully,” he said.Article content
14-year-old Patrick Sanford wins grease pole contest at 132nd Bear River Cherry Carnival
