Most small towns have annual celebrations. Nederland Colorado, just west of Boulder at 8200 feet, is no exception.

The only twist, is this festival is based on the aftermath of the death of “Grandpa Bredo.” He lived and died in Norway but following his 1989 death, his body was shipped to the US for cryogenic preservation. Four years later, he was moved to Colorado where his daughter and grandson lived and kept his frozen body in a shed in Nederland. Unfortunately, the story takes a sad turn when Bredo’s grandson was deported for overstaying his visa and his daughter was evicted for living in a house without electricity and plumbing. The body, at risk of thawing, was moved to a Tuff Shed, thanks to a local Colorado supplier and a Denver radio station. There were legal ramifications, but once that was settled, the unique festivities became an annual gathering.

In addition to a parade, locals and tourists are invite to watch and participate in coffin races, a costumed polar plunge, human Foosball, and tents offering live music.