Yesterday, the coronavirus pandemic killed both the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in Nederland, Colorado, and the annual convention for the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA). Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death®, was scheduled to speak at both events.
Frozen Dead Guy Days was scheduled to take place March 13-15, 2020 in Nederland, Colorado. Gail Rubin was going to present the humorous documentary "Grandpa's in the TUFF SHED," which tells the weird but true story of how the Frozen Dead Guy came to be there. She was also going to conduct The Newly-Dead Game®, which she created specifically for this festival.
Here is the official news release from Nederland's Board of Trustees about the cancellation sent last night:
"Tonight the Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2020-10 cancelling the 2020 Frozen Dead Guy Days following Boulder County Public Health's recommendations to cancel all large event activities. FDGD will faithfully follow the towns direction and decision on this. We are devastated to share this news with you.
This is the first time in our 18 years that we have had to cancel the entirety of the festival. Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency in Colorado. Mountain resort communities are at highest risk, and we must be stewards of community health and safety.
We are working through the ramifications of this global pandemic and we understand the enormity and seriousness of the situation not just for FDGD LLC, but for our sponsors, vendors, musicians, staff, volunteers, production, community at large and other partners we have worked with over the past 18 years. We understand the impact this will have on our vulnerable population, business community of Nederland and the service industry staff that has worked so diligently with FDGD over the years.
Be aware this is not a postponement, this is a cancellation. There will be no activities in Nederland this weekend that are associated in any way with FDGD. We will put up a FAQ on our website to answer cancellation questions. We do not know what the future holds. We, as well as town leaders, are going to need some time to assess the situation and ask for your patience with the process. We are in uncharted icy waters, and appreciate your understanding and years of support."
The showings of "Grandpa's in the TUFF SHED" were going to include this preview reel, featuring a trailer for the independent TV series, Frozen Dead, and sponsors AquamationInfo.com and A Good Goodbye. You can still enjoy this video in the comfort of your own self-isolation:
ICCFA Convention & Expo Cancellation
Gail Rubin was scheduled to present "How to Grow Your Sales with Before I Die Festivals" at the 2020 ICCFA Annual Convention and Expo in San Antonio later this month.
However, the coronavirus killed this event too, announced yesterday with this email:
"After much thought, consideration and discussion with exhibitors and attendees, we regretfully must cancel the upcoming Annual Convention & Exposition that was set for March 30 to April 2 in San Antonio, Texas due to public health and safety concerns.
This was not a decision that was taken lightly and is based on safeguarding the health of our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, staff, and our communities. The ICCFA has taken into consideration the recommendations of public health authorities about limiting large public gatherings and non-essential travel. We also want to ensure that industry professionals are available to the families they serve in their respective communities during this time.
Please know that we are currently handling the logistics of cancelling an event of this size and want to provide you the best information and service possible. A FAQ list for exhibitors will be forthcoming on our website – https://iccfa.com/coronavirus/."
Houston Before I Die Still Scheduled
Syd Waldman, Waldman Funeral Care, is still planning on holding these Before I Die events in Houston March 27 to 29, 2020, after the one-week Health Emergency that has been declared there expires. Here is the schedule:
March 27th: Friday 7:15pm RSVP $5.00 Dinner
Congregation Emanu El RSVP link: https://www.emanuelhouston.org/event/beforeidie2020
Kicking the Bucket List: Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die: Do you plan to live forever? Do you ever plan to move? Depending on where you're going, you can't take it with you. This talk focuses on practical ways to downsize excess goods without being overwhelmed by the job, what you need to know to organize your information for your executor, and how to plan for end-of-life issues. Film clips add to the wealth of information in this talk.
March 28: Saturday Afternoon 2:00-4:30pm
National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston
The Funeral Director on Film: By watching scenes from films and television shows, learn the history of undertaking in the U.S. and how funeral service has changed over 150 years. In The Funeral Director on Film, pioneering death educator Gail Rubin entertains and educates with insights from Hollywood portrayals of "the last man to let you down." Your $10.00 ticket provides all day access to the National Museum of Funeral History, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets through EventBrite or at the door.
March 29: Sunday Morning 10:00-11:30am
Light Brunch at Congregation Emanu El
RSVP Link: https://www.emanuelhouston.org/event/beforeidie2020
Estate Planning: Hollywood Myth versus Facts: The way the movies portray it, wills are supposed to cover funeral plans in addition to the distribution of assets. Unfortunately, family members may die before doing any estate planning. Even with a will, plans can go awry. Clips from comedies and dramas illustrate the need to do estate planning TODAY.
The Newly-Dead Game®: Based on the classic television program, The Newlywed Game, The Newly-Dead Game tests couples on how well they know their partner's last wishes. Gail Rubin also created an Individuals Edition so that everyone, not just couples, plus the audience can play along. It's an upbeat way to start end-of-life planning conversations.
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