Party like a viking with me in Breckenridge, Colorado!

For half a century the people of Breckenridge have been donning horns and participating in a huge party inspired by Ullr, the Norse God of Winter. In Europe, Ullr is the Guardian of Skiers, and the gods know I will need him during my skiing adventure in Breckenridge this season.

Originally developed as a party for the people of Breckenridge, Ullr Festival has expanded over the years, although it is still a homegrown event. The party got started in 1963, and today it is a week long festival with all kinds of wacky traditions.

I will be attending Ullr Festival this year and I’m looking forward to a crazy party.

The 50th Ullr Festival runs January 6-12, 2013, and the schedule from GoBreck is as follows:

Sunday, Jan. 6 – Crowning of the Ullr King & Queen (6-9pm)

Toast to 50 years of fun with free beer and live music by The Luv Brothers. New location for 2013 – Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, 150 W. Adams Ave. FREE

Monday, Jan. 7 – Family Night new (3:30 – 5:30pm)

Bring the kids for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, indoor activities and a family-friendly bonfire at the Gold Run Nordic Center on Tiger Road. FREE

Tuesday, Jan. 8 – Ullympics (6 – 8pm)

Partake in wild events such as the frying pan toss, group ski racing and ski boot relay. FREE

Mayor’s note: I can’t WAIT for this evening!

Wednesday, Jan. 9 – Ullr Dating Game

Join local radio station KSMT and all the singles in town for Breckenridge’s 21+ version of the Dating Game at Cecilias. To apply to be a bachelor/bachelorette, call KSMT at 970-453-2234 ext. 20. FREE

Thursday, Jan. 10 – Ullr Fest parade and town bonfire (Parade starts at 4:30pm, Bonfire 5-7pm, and Fireworks at 7pm)

The centerpiece of the week, the Ullr Fest parade showcases Breckenridge’s style of wild winter fun – past floats have included dogsled teams, hot tubs, a ski jump and more. A town bonfire and fireworks follow the parade. FREE

Mayor’s note: I’m either going to help judge the parade or I may actually ride on a float. I better pick up a pair of great Viking horns, pronto!

Friday, Jan. 11 – Comedy night:

Comedy Works comics descend on Breckenridge for a night of big laughs at Beaver Run Resort.

Saturday, Jan. 12 – Ullr Fashion Show: Close out the week with a Viking-themed costume contest at the Park Avenue Pub.

To keep tabs on all the fun stuff happening in Breckenridge during the winter or any other time of year, go to GoBreck.com.

UPDATE:

12/30/12

The first glimpse of what I’ll be sporting at Ullr Festival this year.