Manitou Springs Hosts 10th Anniversary of Coffin Races!

October 22, 2004

The legend of Emma Crawford returns to life on Saturday, October 30, 2004 when coffins and "Emmas" participate in the annual race up the town’s main street, in the shadow of Pikes Peak. Each coffin is pulled by a team of 4 mourners and each must also have an "Emma" riding in it. Trophies are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fastest coffin racers, the most creative coffin, and the best "Emma". The Parade of Coffins and the Race take place on Manitou Avenue in the town’s National Historic District. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday with a children’s fun run, followed by the Mayor’s Cup 5 K Run at 10:30 a.m. The Parade of the Coffins starts at 12:30 p.m. and the coffin races begin immediately following, at approximately 1:00 p.m.

"Emma’s Favorite Haunts" return for the 9th year. The walking tours take visitors through downtown Manitou Springs to meet our "ghosts" who will entertain them with tales of Manitou Springs harmless hauntings, tall tales, and loveable legends. The ghost tours will leave from Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Avenue, every 15 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the last tour leaving at 9:00 p.m. Tours will be held on Saturday, October 30th. Pre-sale tickets will be available October 1 at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

For the 2nd year, Miramont Castle will be hosting "Emma’s Wake" to begin the festival on Friday evening, October 29. Join some of Emma’s closest friends in mourning her passing and celebrating her life. Victorian food and beverage will be served. Father Francolon will open his home from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. for this memorable occasion. A fee is charged and reservations are required. Contact (719) 685-1011 for reservations or additional information.

Emma Crawford lived in Manitou Springs at the turn of the century. She came to Manitou Springs seeking a cure for her tuberculosis and while she was here, became infatuated with Red Mountain. Being a spiritualist, Emma believed she saw her Indian guide waiting for her on the mountain. She did climb to the summit of Red Mountain and expressed her desire to be buried there. Sadly Emma died quite young, just before she was to marry Mr. Hildebrand, an engineer with the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The heartbroken Hildebrand kept his promise to Emma. She was carried to the top of Red Mountain by 12 strong men and laid to rest there. Emma rested peacefully, being moved one time to make way for a casino. Visitors made the journey up the mountain to visit her grave and leave flowers. But Red Mountain is granite, and after a number of years and a number of storms, the granite gave way and what remained of Emma’s coffin, including the name plate and the handles, washed down the side of Red Mountain. Two young boys found the remains and took them to the City Hall where they stayed for 2 years while officials looked in vain for Emma’s family. Emma was buried in Manitou Springs cemetery, but her grave is unmarked. Now Manitou Springs remembers this beautiful young woman who loved the color red and hated anything gloomy with its own unique festival.

For race entry forms for the coffin races, the kid’s fun run, and the Mayors Cup 5 K or more information about the Emma Crawford Festival, call the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, 685-5089 or 1-800-642-2567.

The Emma Crawford Coffin Festival is sponsored by the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, the City of Manitou Springs, and Historic Manitou.