Gloucester, Mass., city officials say they plan to reconstruct the Greasy Pole, a city trademark that was washed away by high tides.

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The pole, first erected in 1931 as part of Gloucester's annual St. Peter's Fiesta, and its 12-foot wooden dock were swept away Sept. 29 during high tides in the city's harbor, The Boston Globe reported Saturday.

"The actual Greasy Pole structure has become an icon in the city," said Joe Novello, 61, the president of the St. Peter's Fiesta Committee. "We're going to keep this thing as part of Gloucester's tradition and history."

The city approved plans last week to reinstall the structure, a project that Novello estimates costing $85,000.

However, Novello said there has been overwhelming support from locals who say walking of the 40-foot pole covered in grease to reach a red flag at the end is a cultural custom.

Local lobstermen have offered to raffle off their largest catches to support the cause and musicians have suggested a battle of the bands to raise funds for the Greasy Pole.

"A lot of people are realizing the importance not just of the Greasy Pole but the fiesta," Novello said. "It brings a lot of fun to everybody involved and all the spectators too."

The St. Peter's Fiesta began in 1927 when Italian Americans in the fishing community installed a statue of St. Peter, the patron saint of fishing, in Gloucester's town square.

"We're hoping the platform is rebuilt by Thanksgiving," Novello told the Globe. "Hopefully the new walking pole will be built by spring or fiesta."