Chelsea masks her anxiety with enthusiasm. She'll grease one of the four poles at the front of the Royal Sonesta this morning. Image: Chelsea Brasted/Axios
👋 Chelsea here. My Mardi Gras miracle starts at 10am today, and you can be there.
What's happening: The Royal Sonesta asked me to be one of four contestants for Greasing of the Poles.
Between the lines: I'm nervous. Are you nervous? Because I'm definitely nervous.
Catch up quick: The Bourbon Street hotel started greasing its poles 55 years ago to keep overeager Mardi Gras revelers from climbing up onto its balconies.
But over time, they've turned the tradition into competition.
I'll be greasing alongside Fleurty Girl founder Lauren Haydel, food influencer Evelyn Bories and bounce king HaSizzle. One of us will walk away the 2025 Greasing champion.