This little slice of Americana is a bit too bizarre to explain in a photo caption. Let’s see. “Grandpa” Bredo Morstoel died nearly 20 years ago, but he’s frozen in a shed in this little Colorado town, which initially thought that was a very bad idea but now has an annual “Frozen Dead Guy Festival” with a hearse parade, coffin races, and other ghoulish events.

Exactly why the hearses are bristling with heavy-duty weapons and ammo belts is anybody’s guess, but the participants seem at home with the idea.

In theory, Morstoel was cryogenically frozen in the hope that someday he could be brought back to life, but of course the town may have something to say about losing the tourist dollars from the annual festival if somebody tries to do that. Come to think of it, maybe that’s what the guns are for.

Oddly Enough Blog

A hearse participates in a parade during ‘Frozen Dead Guy Days’ in Nederland, Colorado March 10, 2007. REUTERS/Rick Wilking