From Norse legend obscured by millennia, comes the god Ullr. In modern times, he is known as the patron saint of snow to skiers and snowboarders. Warlike, strong and handsome, he was a great hunter who skated and skied, sometimes using his shield as a sled. A purveyor of justice, people looked to him for guidance.

On Saturday, January 29, Vikings descended upon Parfet Park in Golden, Colorado, in their finest faux furs and helmets. On a beautifully sunny and warm afternoon unbefitting the dead of winter, people strolled the grounds next to Clear Creek checking out the goods offered by artisans and sampling the many food options. Over 30 craft beers of every description were available from Colorado breweries including Tivoli, Sanitas, and Odell. Alumni from the Colorado School of Mines, who just so happen still live in Golden, demonstrated the finer points of slacklining. A lower and safer line had been set up for anyone willing to give it a try. An inflatable unicorn, beanbag toss, and hula hoops kept kids amused.

Winners of the UllrGrass Band Contest in 2019, Ms Amy and the Jet Set kicked things off at the main stage with their brand of Americana and bluegrass. Hailing from Longmont, it is just a coincidence that Ms Amy Harron is Norwegian. The lilting “Tennessee Waltz” was performed to perfection. Harron’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s melancholy “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” struck a chord. A more carefree “Fish & Whistle” by John Prine buoyed everyone’s spirits while spirits of another kind were lifted.

Without missing a beat, the talented members of Funky Freida backed Sheryl Renee and Susannah’s vocals. Renee’s powerful spot-on delivery made listening to songs such as Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” an experience. Courtesy of Gladys Knight & The Pips, Renee took us on a “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Charged by some Boom laka-laka, Boom laka-laka, the audience was elevated another notch with Sly Stone’s “I Want to Take You Higher.”

With festival goers satisfied and snow god Ullr properly appeased for the eighth year running, Colorado can expect more snow this season.

UllrGrass is a volunteer-powered non-profit event with proceeds benefiting the Coral Creek Kids Music Project which delivers music education and performance to kids in Colorado. For more information, go to www.coralcreekmusic.com/kidsmusicproject.