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Ever wanted to party like a Viking? Now is your chance.
Breckenridge will host the 59th annual Ullr Fest this weekend, a three-day party in honor of Ullr (rhymes with cooler), the Norse god of snow. Celebrations will include a massive winter parade, tree-fueled bonfires and a record-breaking Shotski.
Originally called Ullr Dag, the winter festival was first held in 1963 by Norwegian ski legends Sigurd Rockne and Trygve Berge. Local historian Leigh Girvin said the couple, along with Breckenridge’s growing Norwegian population, wanted to celebrate their heritage while attracting tourists.
This year’s festivities kicked off on Thursday afternoon with the coronation of Ullr’s King and Queen – a longstanding tradition that honors two locals for their work in the community and their love of snow . Gervin, who has lived in Breckenridge for 50 years, was crowned Queen of Orchard in 2019.
“I just love the traditions of our town,” Gervin said. “It was really fun for me to see the adults let loose a little bit and everyone having a good time. It kind of set the tone for me.”
Following the coronation, Breckenridge Distillery will attempt to beat Park City, Utah, to break the unofficial world record for longest shotski. Lauren Swanson, a spokeswoman for the Breckenridge Tourism Board, said Shotski Records has had “a lot of fun going back and forth over the past few years” between Breckenridge and Park City.
The town is counting on more than 1,300 partygoers to try to reclaim the title. Tickets to the Shot-ski are $15 per person, with proceeds going to the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary.
The party continues at the Ullr Fest Parade, where dozens of floats will slide down the street in hopes of winning one of three cash prizes ranging from $500 to $1,000.
“The parade is the highlight of Ullr Fest, and it really showcases the wild winter shenanigans and what it means to be a part of this community,” Swanson said.
Thursday’s festivities will end with a large Ullr bonfire starting at 5.30pm, dedicating last year’s Christmas tree to the Snow God.
“It’s a classic way to pay tribute to Ullr,” she said. “Hopefully it will snow this year.”
The festivities will continue through the weekend — comedian Jimmy Dunn will perform at the Riverwalk Center on Friday, and the Stephen C. West Ice Arena will host an afternoon event on Saturday. Evening screenings of the Ullr Skate Party and Skate Event for the Family.
For those interested, Girvin has a piece of advice: If you’re going to a bonfire, don’t wear a fancy jacket.
“Wear a jacket that you don’t mind getting burned through, because sparks will fly,” Girvin says from experience.
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