Coffin Races Tomorrow!

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More Halloween Fun here in Manitou! Tomorrow marks the 19th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races. A bit of history: Emma Crawford was a tuberculosis patient who, like many, moved to Manitou Springs in the early 1900's to take advantage of the healing powers of our local springs'. She loved to hike, especially to the top of nearby Red Mountain (a very cool hike, by the way.) Her dying wish was to be buried atop the mountain, and in 1912, her widowed husband and friend carried her coffin to the top, where they buried her. Later, a heavy rainstorm washed her coffin down the mountain, onto Manitou Avenue, where she slid down the street. Hence, the coffin races. Teams of four, plus an Emma, race coffins roughly a quarter mile up the Avenue, two at a time. Prior to the races, there is a hearse parade, and contests for best coffin and best Emma. It draws a large crowd, Manitou is busting at the seams each year. It can also be dangerous. A few years ago, a coffin wrecked in front of us, badly enough that their Emma had to be taken away in an emergency vehicle. It's a fun, macabre, alcohol-soaked day, and one that, due to the crowds, you must arrive early to secure a good spot. Which is why I'm posting this discussion today rather than tomorrow. We plan on attending, barring illness. Wish us luck on getting a good spot!