Stephanie Andelman, Nederland. Earlier this month it was announced that Nederland’s world-famous Frozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD) is not dead. This March 13-15, the festival will return with three live music tents, over 30 bands, a Blue Ball, coffin races, polar plunging, frozen t-shirt contest, food and crafts vendors, and so much more.

The event’s resurrection was made possible by a new part-owner. Nederland local Sarah Martin purchased 60% of FDGD, and as its controlling partner will work closely with the Town of Nederland on parking, traffic, grounds and waste issues. She is also coming up with ways to improve the experience for all attendees and residents. Sarah has been a regular participant in many past Frozen Dead Guy Days. You’ve likely seen her announcing bands and making PSAs from the large ReAnimate Tent’s stage. In 2020, her behind the scenes work will allow the festival to operate for the good of the town, its businesses, and the frostafarians who live (and die) for this annual event.

FDGD is economically vital to the Nederland community, bringing the busiest weekend of the year at the slowest economic time. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) sent out a survey to all businesses, and close to 100% of responses were in support of this festival. Now in its 19th year, this three-day spectacle heats up the town during the cold of winter, with an influx of people and money.

Amanda MacDonald remains a partial owner and is elated for Sarah’s new energy and vision. Amanda’s creativity with the FDGD brand and themed events will continue to flourish, while she is relieved from some of the economic pressure that has been a burden. Amanda has put her heart and soul into this festival and “believes this unique, eclectic, all inclusive party brings out the hippie spirit of Nederland. FDGD is what people bring to it - from the planners to participants, we’ve all made this event renowned and frozen in continuing time.”

The community and town have come to realize that Nederland needs special events, for both spirit and dollar. FDGD captures both and plans to expand both. The combination of Sarah’s background in music events and logistics, along with Amanda’s experience developing the festival’s attractions, is a formidable force. For this coming year, they are considering new smaller events, Caribou Shopping Center involvement, larger music acts, fundraisers for Nederland non profits, and a Sunday Polar Plunge into a natural body of water.

Amanda’s sentiments about the festival can be felt by all who have ever attended, “My favorite part is when the team comes together, and everything gets rolling - it’s a cool synergetic energy. I am grateful that I’ve gotten to be a part of something that for many is a very special experience. It may be hard to put your finger on, but you see in people’s faces at the fest; you feel it in the air. I love bringing new music to people and providing an environment where they can groove together. The costumery which has grown over the years is so fun to see, whether it’s attendees, coffin racers, or Blue Ballers. And I’m also amazed that the FDGD audience ranges from 20 somethings to 70 somethings, from all over the country and world, and they all get along great.”

Follow FDGD developing news here and on www.frozendeadguydays.org.

(Originally published in the September 26, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)