“Grandpopsicle” Morstoel haunts the Rockies
By Aaron Storms
Driving into Nederland, CO on Saturday, lines of cars were parked along the highway for a mile leading into town. If you didn’t know already, the 17th annual Frozen Dead Guy Days festival was taking place, and there were throngs of people for as far as you could see from Hwy 119 all the way down to Guercio Park by Barker Reservoir, and on every other highway leading into town from Boulder and Estes Park. Finally locating a parking spot, I parked the Jeep and strolled down East 1st Street, taking in all the sights and sounds. Even with the falling snow and chilly temps, there were poets espousing prose from makeshift stages, frozen turkey bowling in the street, beer tents and live music along both sides, and interesting people of all ages and walks of life to talk to. Young families had their kids in strollers, while other couples walked along with their dogs. There were plenty of uniformed officers helping folks with traffic, and ensuring that alcohol consumption rules were being followed. Passing the chainsaw art vendor area, we were enticed to stop and check out all the great art created from trees – far surpassing the typical touristy type of bears. Making my way on down to the park, there was a large arena circled with vendor wagons and many types of tasty food and frosty beverages, as well as live bands playing in heated tents. Once past all that, you could hear the roar of the crowds as costumed individuals braved the icy waters of the Polar Plunge. Immediately following that watery fun, the coffin races started, with many costumed teams entering, and bystanders were packed in 6-10 people deep all the way around the race course.
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