It can be said that across America there are many strange and complicated small-town festivals that you'd only really get it if you were from there. The gravity of this statement is felt most strongly by the people of Nederland, Colorado, in their annual Frozen Dead Guy Days celebrations.
Every year, the people of this town come together to enjoy "Cryonics' first Mardi Gras", complete with contests, parades, music, and games. The event happens every year in early March, and has been a staple of the local culture for the past 17 years.
It quickly became the pride of the township and everyone from youth to seniors take part in the festivities. Dozens of live bands perform, especially at the infamous Blue Ball, there are Polar Plunges, Frozen Dead Poetry Slam, and Coffin Racing. Yes, Coffin Racing.
So what the heck is this outrageous spectacle all about?
It all started with a Norwegian man who died in 1989, beginning a series of events that brought national attention and changes to the very laws of Colorado state.
When 'Grandpa' Bredo Morstoel passed away, his children decided to have him cryogenically frozen in California, in the hopes that one day he could be revived. He was later moved to Colorado to 'live' with his surviving grandchildren. And by that I mean he was stuffed into a shed full of ice. Really.
When the local authorities found out about this, it actually forced the government to create a law preventing anyone from storing dead bodies on their property. Because prior to this it was thought to be common sense that you just don't do that sort of thing.
Ol' Morstoel was allowed to stay however, and as the years passed it seemed that people wanted to share in his triumph. Thus, a community event was begun and there's no sign of it going cold!
