MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Decorated caskets will compete on the streets of Manitou Springs on Saturday during the 30th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Race. Saturday is full of “weird” and unique things. The beloved Manitou resident this event honors has a unique story of her own.
Emma Crawford’s story
Emma Crawford moved to Manitou Springs in 1888 in hopes of recovering from tuberculosis. Emma befriended the famous engineer Wilhelm Hildenbrand and they started walking in the mountains around Manitou. One day, they climbed Red Mountain overlooking downtown Manitou Springs, and Emma fell in love with the setting.
“Emma was so captivated by the beauty and splendor of these places that she told Wilhelm Hildenbrand that when she died, she wanted to be buried atop Red Mountain,” Manitou Springs Heritage Center and says museum director Michael Maio. Said.
She was buried again on the southern peak of Red Mountain. That lasted until 1929, when the Great Storm changed course again.
And Emma’s request was carried out. She died on December 4, 1891, and her coffin was taken to the north peak of Red Mountain, where she was buried.
In the early 1900s, Emma’s grave was discovered during the nearing completion of the Red Mountain Incline construction project, and her coffin was eventually reburied and relocated. Her coffin lay in the middle of the slope, on the right side of the road. She was buried again on the southern peak of Red Mountain. That lasted until 1929, when the Great Storm changed course again.
Due to the intensity of the storm, Emma’s body and part of the coffin were washed down the slopes of Red Mountain.
“There were boys exploring Red Mountain at the time,” Maio explained. “And they actually found Emma’s body, her skull, skeletal remains, and a nameplate on her coffin. That’s how local authorities were able to identify Emma Crawford’s body.”
Her body was immediately handed over to the town constable, who had no idea what to do next.
“He ended up storing all these remains in the basement of City Hall and kept them there for three years until 1932,” Maio said. “In 1932, the City Council here in Manitou Springs passed a resolution authorizing the reburial of Emma Crawford in the town cemetery known today as Crystal Valley Cemetery. No one knows the exact location, but in any case, a few years ago a stone was placed in our museum to commemorate Emma Crawford and her story.
Thousands of tourists take part in the Emma Crawford Coffin Race to honor and remember Emma Crawford.
30th coffin race
56 caskets will compete to win the Coffin Cup.
One local Manitou Springs company is entering the race for a fifth year and hopes to win both the Brewers Cup and Coffin Cup. Then you can take on your next challenge at the Frozen Dead Guys Race at Estes Park.
“It’s truly a great time to build a team with friends, coworkers, and family,” exclaimed Tory Giffin, owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort.
Team “Boofalow” Lodge gets off to a great start on Saturday by waking up early and heading to the 8am coffin race inspection.
“You can come here from 11 to 1 and get your clown face painted by Miss Kiddy,” Giffin said, acknowledging Buffalo Lodge. “At noon, we all parade through Manitou. We actually invite our friends to ride their bikes and parade with us. We have guests from out of state come and parade with our banners. You can also join us for… There’s a big bash here after the coffin race and it starts at 4pm with DJ Gabe from Future and Sweet Tea.
Giffin told 11 News that events like the casket race that bring tourists to Manitou during the off-season are huge events for local businesses. This annual tradition has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception.
“In the early days, there were about five or six coffins and about 50 people standing on the side of the road,” said Jenna Gallas, event manager for Visit Manitou Springs. “A lot has changed since then.”
Garrus said parking will not be available for participants in Manitou Springs and the road closure will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m. With that in mind, this event will have 17 shuttle buses departing from Citizen’s Garden of the Gods. Service center.
“It will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Gallas said. “Parking is free and $5 round trip. You can’t even get parking for $5 in Manitou, so we recommend taking a shuttle, Uber, or Lyft. There’s a drop-off point right next to the road closure.”
Giffin said participants are welcome to stay or park at the lodge and travel to the race site, which is only two miles from the start.
All in all, Emma Crawford’s accomplishments have brought a traditional event to Manitou Springs itself.
“Wear a costume, even if it’s simple. You’ll look weird without it,” Gallas says. “Today is your day to go with the waves, be yourself, and bring the whole family for a great time at Manitou Springs.”
Click here to live stream Emma Crawford’s Coffin Race.
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