Colorado offers a smorgasbord of winter celebrations, but none are quite as…peculiar as Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland. This annual bash, taking place March 15-17, 2024, celebrates the life (and un-life) of Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, a cryogenically-frozen Norwegian gentleman who found his final resting place in a Tuff Shed just outside of town. While the premise might raise eyebrows, the festival itself is a joyous, tongue-in-cheek tribute to Grandpa Bredo and a wild-and-woolly good time for all.
The Curious Tale of Grandpa Bredo:
Bredo’s journey to Nederland is a story worthy of its own quirky sitcom. After expressing a desire to be cryogenically preserved, Bredo’s grandson Joe fulfilled his wish. However, finding a permanent “icy home” for Grandpa proved tricky. After bouncing between locations (including California!), Bredo finally landed in a Tuff Shed on a Nederland hillside.
In 2002, locals decided to celebrate Bredo’s unique circumstance and raise funds for his shed rent (and maybe a few beers for Joe) with the first Frozen Dead Guy Days. The festival was an instant hit, and today, it’s a beloved Colorado tradition.
Events
- Coffin Races: Teams of “pallbearers” will race head-to-head, through a course full of obstacles, mud, snow, and drills in a grandstand setting. Unleash your inner inventor and craft your own human-powered sled for the Coffin Races
- Frozen Games Polar Plunge Feeling brave? Take a refreshing (or shocking!) dip in the icy waters of Lake Estes during the Frozen Games’ Polar Plunge. Then, warm up with a Bands and Bloodys Sunday Brunch, featuring live music and hair-of-the-dog Bloody Marys – the perfect hangover cure (or pre-game fuel!).
- Live Music and Parade: Three stages will be pumping out live tunes all weekend long, from bluegrass twangs to toe-tapping rock. Dance in the snow, grab a warm beverage, and soak up the infectious festival spirit.
Frozen Dead Guy Days Tickets
Ready to join the icy merriment? Tickets to Frozen Dead Guy Days are a cool $32, granting you access to the festival grounds, live music stages, and the general spectacle of it all. You can roam the aisles of vendors, cheer on the parade participants, and soak up the quirky atmosphere to your heart’s content.
But if you crave a more active role in the festivities, consider registering for one of the competitions! For $98, you can grab your teammates and craft your own masterpiece of sled-building for the Coffin Races, or take the plunge (literally) in the Frozen Games’ Polar Plunge. This upgraded ticket grants you exclusive access to the competition areas, pre-event briefings, and the bragging rights that come with participating in these legendary events.
Remember, registration fees not only cover your participation but also help support Frozen Dead Guy Days and its mission to raise funds for the Nederland Fire Protection District. So, while you’re having a blast in the snow, you’re also contributing to a worthy cause.
Beyond the Festival:
Nederland packs a punch beyond the festival. Explore the historic downtown, delve into the fascinating history of mining at the Caribou Mine Museum, or hike through the breathtaking scenery of Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Remember:
- Dress warmly! Nederland sits at a high altitude, and March weather can be unpredictable. Layers and waterproof gear are your best friends.
- Tickets are required for some events, so plan ahead and book online.
- Bring your sense of humor! This is a celebration of the unusual, so embrace the quirkiness and prepare to laugh.
Frozen Dead Guy Days is more than just a wacky winter festival; it’s a vibrant community event that celebrates life, laughter, and the indomitable spirit of Nederland. So, bundle up, ditch your inhibitions, and head to Nederland for a truly unforgettable experience. Just remember, in this Rocky Mountain town, death isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning of one heck of a party!
