Nederland’s frozen festival returns for 14th year

Colorado isn’t a stranger to festivals, and Nederland is hosting one of the most eccentric, wacky festivals in the area. Starting today, thousands of people will flock to the small mountain town for the annual Frozen Dead Guy Days. Complete with 20 different bands and a hodgepodge of events, Nederland is about it get crazy. C

A brief history

When Bredo Morstøl, aka Grandpa Bredo, died in Norway in 1989 he was laid peacefully into the ground, but rather transported across the Atlantic to California. There he stayed for four years frozen in liquid nitrogen before being shipped to Colorado to be with his grandkids, who kept Grandpa Bredo frozen in their shed. After both of his grandkids were deported the town of Nederland allowed Grandpa Bredo to stay in the mountains.

Now, it takes 1,600 pounds of dry ice each month to keep him frozen, and give Colorado one of the best festivals of all time. If you can’t dedicate an entire weekend to the festival, at least check out some of the standout events.

Friday

The Blue Ball

5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Kicking off the festival with a bang, the Blue Ball features live music from Dead Floyd, Pine Dwellers and Gasoline Lollipops. Also, a costume contest beer by Oskar Blues and plenty of food trucks will be in attendance. What more could you want on a beautiful Friday night? Oh yeah the party doesn’t end at 10 p.m. (we’re not in middle school anymore) as the local bars host more live music, and more booze.

Saturday

Costume Polar Plunge at Chipeta Park

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

It’s exactly what it sounds like. Jumping into ice cold water clad in costumes. The price is $20, but it is worth the cash. Not only can you forever tell people that you jumped in ice cold water to celebrate the life of a man who is buried in ice, but also a time to show off your creativity. We’re talking full on mermaid with a fin fashioned out of sequins and a seashell bra.

Famous Coffin Races in Chipeta Park

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Again a self-explanatory event, and a twisted morticians wet dream. Teams get to race through mud, snow and fellow racers as they navigate a coffin and “corpse” to the finish line. Also, a costumed event with prizes for the best costume. If we don’t see the Adams Family pushing a coffin through the course, we’ll be woefully disappointed.

Sunday

Pioneer Inn’s Frozen T-shirt Contest

1 p.m.

It’s a very cold twist on the classic hyper sexualized bar game. Rules are simple, slip into the frozen T-shirt before everyone else and win. The struggle is half the fun. If slipping into something cold isn’t your cup of iced tea, just go and watch the struggle happen.