Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade

The 17th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade in Manitou Springs, Colorado  fill the street on October 29th at 12:00-3:30 commemorating  the  passing of Emma Crawford.   Ghostly and ghoulish town mourners mix and mingle as they view the decked out coffins. The day starts with the parade of coffins with their themed entourage,  hearses and the town mourners. Then the coffins, on wheels, containing their ” Emma”  prepare for the 250 yard race up Manitou Avenue. Teams are judged on speed as well as creative design. This is a festive pre-Halloween event not to be missed.

Emma’s  Victorian wake with generous Victorian buffet is the night before at the Miramont Castle.

In hopes for a cure of TB,  young Emma Crawford came to Manitou Springs hearing of the healing mineral water. She loved the mountains and hiked in the fresh air. Emma did not survive and her wishes were to  to be buried atop  the 7200  foot  peak of Red Mountain.  Years later,early  in the 1900’s the granite gave way during a heavy rain and  her coffin washed down into town . She is now buried in the Manitou Springs Cemetery.

Emma is not forgotten.