Manitou Springs hosts 30th Emma Crawford Coffin Races

(MANITOU SPRINGS) — Manitou Springs marked the 30th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The event started with a parade featuring hearses joined by Halloween-costumed attendees moving along Manitou Avenue. Up to 60 teams then raced in coffin-style carts, escorted by “pallbearers” and carrying an “Emma Crawford.” The contestants competed for speed and style.

One competing couple, “Romeo Uncaged and Foxie Dreame,” was dressed as “dead Marilyn Monroes. “We represent La Burnaby, Colorado Springs, first and only full-time cabaret. And this year our coffin and team represents what we’re calling the dead Marilyn,” they said. “Now, we had a good time this year. Yes, I think we had our best time ever.”

This unique event, which has gained international attention, including features on the Travel Channel and European broadcasts, draws around 10,000 visitors each year to honor Emma Crawford, whose mysterious legacy endures.