Welcome to Estes Park, Colorado, the host of one of the most unique and quirky winter festivals in the world – Frozen Dead Guy Days! This festival, held annually in early March, is a celebration of the frozen corpse of Bredo Morstol, who has been frozen in a cryonic state and stored in a shed in Nederland, Colorado, since 1993. The festival has grown in popularity over the years and is now a major winter event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Frozen Dead Guy Days so special and why you should consider attending this ultimate winter festival.
History of Frozen Dead Guy Days
Before we delve into the festivities of Frozen Dead Guy Days, let’s take a quick look at the history of this unique event. The festival is named after Bredo Morstol, a Norwegian citizen who died in 1989. His grandson, Trygve Bauge, had Morstol’s body cryogenically preserved and shipped to the United States, where it was stored in a shed in Nederland, Colorado. Bauge continued to pay for the storage of his grandfather’s frozen corpse until he was deported from the United States in 1994 for overstaying his visa.
Despite Bauge’s deportation, a group of locals in Nederland continued to care for Morstol’s frozen body and even organized a festival in his honor in 2002. The festival, which was initially called “Nederland’s March of the Dead,” featured a coffin race and a polar plunge, among other events. The festival was renamed Frozen Dead Guy Days in 2003 and has since grown in popularity, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Events and Activities
Frozen Dead Guy Days is a three-day festival that takes place in Estes Park, Colorado. The festival features a wide range of events and activities, many of which are centered around the theme of death and the afterlife. Here are some of the most popular events and activities that you can enjoy during Frozen Dead Guy Days:
Coffin Races: The coffin races are one of the most popular events at Frozen Dead Guy Days. Teams of four people compete to push a coffin (which must be at least six feet long and two feet wide) through an obstacle course as fast as they can. The races are held on Saturday and Sunday and are divided into men’s, women’s, and mixed categories.
Polar Plunge: If you’re brave enough to take a dip in the icy waters of Lake Estes, then the polar plunge is the event for you. Participants jump into the lake in their swimsuits and then run back to shore as fast as they can. The polar plunge takes place on Saturday and Sunday and is open to anyone who wants to participate.
Frozen T-Shirt Contest: The frozen t-shirt contest is a fun and challenging event that tests your endurance and patience. Participants are given a frozen t-shirt and must thaw it out enough to wear it before they can compete. The first person to successfully put on their frozen t-shirt wins the contest.
Ice Turkey Bowling: Ice turkey bowling is a hilarious and unique event that involves bowling with a frozen turkey instead of a ball. Participants roll the frozen turkey down an ice-covered alley and try to knock down as many pins as possible.
Live Music: Frozen Dead Guy Days also features live music from local and regional bands. The music ranges from rock and blues to bluegrass and country, so there’s something for everyone.
Parade: The festival kicks off with a parade on Friday night. The parade features floats, marching bands, and of course, coffins. The parade is a fun and festive way to kick off the weekend’s festivities.
Frozen Dead Guy Look-Alike Contest: On Sunday, festival-goers can participate in the Frozen Dead Guy Look-Alike Contest, where they dress up as Bredo Morstol or their interpretation of what he would look like. Participants are judged on their costumes, creativity, and resemblance to the frozen dead guy himself.
Food and Drinks: No festival is complete without delicious food and drinks, and Frozen Dead Guy Days is no exception. There are plenty of food vendors offering everything from hot chocolate and coffee to chili and BBQ. You can also find local breweries and distilleries serving up their specialty beers and cocktails.
Tips for Attending Frozen Dead Guy Days
If you’re planning on attending Frozen Dead Guy Days, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Dress Warm: Colorado winters can be cold and snowy, so make sure to dress appropriately. Layers are key, and don’t forget a hat and gloves.
Buy Tickets in Advance: Some of the events, such as the coffin races, require tickets, and they can sell out quickly. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out.
Arrive Early: The festival can get crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to arrive early to avoid traffic and find parking.
Bring Cash: Many of the vendors and food trucks only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough money to cover your expenses.
Be Respectful: While Frozen Dead Guy Days is a fun and quirky festival, it’s important to remember that it’s also a celebration of a person who has passed away. Be respectful of the festival’s origins and the community that hosts it.
Frozen Dead Guy Days is the ultimate winter festival in Estes Park, Colorado. Whether you’re looking for unique events, live music, delicious food, or just a fun weekend getaway, this festival has something for everyone. From coffin races to ice turkey bowling, the festival’s quirky events are sure to make you laugh and create memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your warmest coat, pack your bags, and hea