The Greasy Pole went the way of memories after some time, losing popularity in the early 1900's. It was discontinued in 1912 for two reasons:

1. Many people were becoming very good at getting the prizes and, no matter what delay was given, all the prizes were usually won by noon or early afternoon;
2. The more obvious reason was the complaints of wives and parents who would have to clean the mess their husbands or children left behind after being covered in axel grease.

In the 1970's, an unsuccessful attempt was made to re-introduce the Greasy Pole and the Greasy Pig.

Also known as the Royal Lake Pavilion, the Oriental Palace only lasted for two Regatta's, but it lives on in the records of the time. Located north of the Boulevard on part of Ross's Farm it was designed and constructed by Professor Charles Henry Danielle, and was a fantastic structure the like of which has not been seen since. Its ballroom alone could hold 2,000 people and it was decorated in an oriental theme. It was opened on Saturday, August 5th, 1893 and was in full operation with its four large stoves and huge kitchen, turning out hundreds upon hundreds of hot meals for patrons on Regatta Day, 10 August 1893. Unfortunately, the eccentric Professor had a dispute with the owner of the land on which the palace was built, and in short order had it tore down plank by plank. All of the materials were transported to Irvine Station, near Octagon Pond in what is now Paradise. The Professor then used the materials from The Royal Lake Pavilion to build his now famous Octagon Castle.

Click the picture above to watch a video clip from John O'Mara discussing Professor Danielle. To view this clip, you need RealOne Player. Click the button below for a free download.

The Dancing Gallery at the St. John's Regatta (Approximate Year: 1912, Size: 45kB, Source: Regatta Museum).

The Dancing Gallery Another popular feature during the 1800s and early 1900s was the Dancing Gallery. This was a venue where people paid 10 cents and were permitted to dance to live music on a wooden platform. Rabbit Games In 1949, a new attraction was introduced in the form of Rabbit Races, which tended to draw large crowds.

Another Rabbit based game involved a Rabbit in a box with holes. People would buy sticks of carrot and insert them into the holes. Whosever carrot the rabbit nibbled on first would be the winner.

The games of old eventually faded. People attending the Regatta's had more interest in games of chance, ticket and raffle draws, spinning wheels, the Crown and Anchor Game, cash wheels, ring toss and shooting galleries.


In 2003, some of the more popular concessions appeared to be the stands that held raffle draws, or games that offered the opportunity for an easy prize, such as Swish, where a person attempts to throw a basketball through a hoop. Many of the lakeside attractions have been aimed at adults in the form of betting and raffles. However, there were also children oriented attractions such as pony rides, face painting, and inflatable "Moon Rooms" where children could bounce around.

Vendors selling food is a very important lakeside feature as well - whether it be the 1800's or 2003. It used to be cooked meals of salt beef & cabbage, spruce & hop beer, and "crubeens" (boiled pigs feet). Nowadays, these have been replaced with hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, and French Fries, dripping with gravy and smothered in dressing*.

Fast food concessions at the 2003 Royal St. John's Regatta (Year: 2003, Size: 53kB, Source: Derwin Bennett).

But the spirit remains the same. Vendors selling everything from ice cream to moose burgers to pizza could be found at the 185th running of the Regatta on the 6^th of August 2003, keeping the conessionaire tradition alive.

In recent years the Regatta has gained an international flavour, as local restaurant owners are bringing their wares to the Regatta. This includes such foreign delights as Indian and Chinese food, and adds to the overall ambience of the Regatta.

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^*Dressing: this is what most people outside of Newfoundland call stuffing.