There is a real “frozen dead guy” up in Nederland, long-deceased Bredo Morstal whose daughter, Aud Morstoel, and grandson, Trygve Bauge, kept his body preserved in dry ice in a Tuff Shed. Two local film-making sisters, Robin and Kathy Beeck, made a documentary (Grandpa’s in the Tuff Shed) and a sequel (Grandpa’s Still in the Tuff Shed). The bizarre tale and the popularity of the film inspired Nederland, a mountain town known for its nippy climate, to create an appropriate festival called Frozen Dead Guy Days.
The chilly celebration has grown so much in popularity that it’s as much (if not more) fun as Halloween. The annual FDGD takes place Friday to Sunday, March 18 to 20.
There are plenty of FREE (especially as a spectator) and cheap activities throughout the cool festival, including the Parade of Hearses, Coffin Race, Frozen T-Shirt Contest, Frozen Turkey Bowling, Fix A Frozen Flat, The Newly Dead Game, Frozen Dead Poem Slam, Polar Plunge, Frozen Horseshoes and more.
If you want to participate, events have entry fees ranging from $5 for the Brain freeze contest to $75 (per team) for the coffin race.
Plus, there’s amazing live music all weekend — $25 ($30 day of show) gets you into all three heated music tents on either Saturday or Sunday.For the first time, you can buy tickets in advance through the FDGD website.
And that’s just the tip of of the iceberg!
This year’s Blue Ball (admission $25 online/ $30 at the door) on Friday, March 18 actually falls on a full moon. Those that purchase a ticket also receive a certified acre on the Moon from Lunar Land. Blue Ball performers include Alfonzo, Smooth Monkey Gesture and Dead Floyd.
Plus, there will be at least 14 “out-of-this-world” food vendors.
For a full review of the event schedule, including times and costs, click here.
Keep a stiff upper lip (remember, it’s gonna be cold!) and let loose with lots of cool people.
Nederland
Nederland, CO