Tucked at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado, Manitou Springs might look like a peaceful mountain town – but every October, it transforms into something much stranger. Each year, locals and visitors gather for the Emma Crawford Coffin Races, a bizarre, spooky, and hilariously theatrical Halloween tradition unlike any other in the country. Rooted in a ghost story and packed with outlandish costumes, this event has earned its place as one of America’s creepiest (and quirkiest) Halloween parades.
1. A Town with a Story to Tell
Manitou Springs, Colorado is a place where history, legend, and natural beauty intertwine, creating a backdrop rich with stories both real and imagined. Founded in the late 19th century, the town became known for its healing mineral springs that attracted visitors seeking cures and respite. Yet beneath the charming storefronts and art galleries lies a fascinating layer of folklore, much of it centered around Emma Crawford.
Emma was a young woman who moved to Manitou Springs in the late 1800s to improve her health, battling tuberculosis, a disease that claimed many lives at the time. After her death, Emma was buried atop Red Mountain, but a sudden storm years later caused her coffin to slide down the mountain, sparking local tales of her restless spirit.
This haunting story captivated residents and eventually inspired the annual coffin races. Today, the legend of Emma Crawford connects the town’s past and present, bringing the community together to honor its unique heritage each Halloween season.
2. The Legend Behind the Parade
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races began in the early 1990s, born from a desire to celebrate Emma’s story while creating a fun, memorable event that would unite the community. The legend itself is both eerie and oddly charming: after Emma’s coffin slid down Red Mountain, locals retrieved it and reburied her in the town cemetery, sparking stories of a ghostly presence that refused to rest.
This tale became the foundation for the race, which involves teams building elaborate coffins on wheels and racing them down Manitou Avenue. Each coffin carries a person dressed as Emma or a related character, and the races are filled with theatrics, costumes, and spirited cheering. The event quickly grew in popularity, becoming an annual tradition that mixes reverence with whimsy.
Beyond the competition, the races celebrate creativity, community spirit, and a playful take on mortality and memory, allowing participants and spectators alike to embrace Halloween in a way that’s both spooky and joyful.
3. A Parade Unlike Any Other
The coffin races are far more than a simple contest – they’re a dynamic parade that takes over the streets of Manitou Springs with a vivid display of costumes, creativity, and community energy. The race route is lined with enthusiastic crowds who come early to claim a good spot, eager to watch teams parade their themed coffins before the competition begins.
Participants invest months into designing their coffins and planning performances that often blend dark humor, historical references, and pop culture. The parade includes everything from Victorian-style funeral processions to outlandish horror-themed floats, making it as much a theatrical event as a race. This unusual combination of performance and sport creates a festive atmosphere filled with laughter, cheers, and the occasional spooky scare.
For locals, the parade is a beloved tradition that showcases the town’s artistic spirit and welcoming nature. For visitors, it’s a rare opportunity to witness an event that’s both creepily captivating and deeply rooted in local lore.
4. Community at the Core
Despite attracting thousands of spectators each year, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races remain a deeply local affair, built and sustained by the passion of Manitou Springs residents. Local businesses often sponsor teams, providing resources and encouragement to help build elaborate coffins and costumes.
Schools, clubs, and neighborhood groups get involved, using the event as a way to bring people together and express creativity. Volunteers play a critical role in organizing logistics, from coordinating safety measures to managing crowd control. The event fosters a sense of pride among residents, who see the races as a celebration of their town’s unique identity.
It’s a moment when the whole community unites in shared effort and enjoyment, welcoming visitors to join in the fun while showcasing their collective spirit. This grassroots involvement ensures that the races retain their authentic, homegrown feel, making them more than just a spectacle but a true community celebration.
5. Creepy, Campy, and Creative
One of the most memorable aspects of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races is the eclectic mix of spooky and humorous elements that define the event’s unique style. Some teams lean into classic Halloween horror, dressing as skeletons, ghosts, or ghouls with eerie makeup and haunting coffin designs.
Others adopt a more playful, campy approach, featuring zombie clowns, pop culture parodies, or pun-filled themes that bring laughs and smiles. This creative freedom encourages participants to push boundaries and experiment with imaginative ideas, making every year’s races feel fresh and surprising. The diversity of entries appeals to a broad audience, engaging children and adults alike.
The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the mountain backdrop and autumn colors, creating a setting that feels simultaneously magical and a little eerie. This blend of fright and fun captures the spirit of Halloween perfectly, inviting everyone to join in the spirited celebration.
6. The Spirit of Halloween Lives Here
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races embody much more than traditional Halloween scares – they celebrate storytelling, imagination, and community connection. This event highlights Manitou Springs’ willingness to embrace its oddities and turn them into moments of joy and remembrance.
The races invite people to reflect on life and death with humor and heart, using the figure of Emma Crawford as a symbol of resilience and local pride. Spectators often comment on the palpable energy that fills the streets – the cheering crowds, the pounding wheels, and the vibrant costumes create an atmosphere charged with excitement and a touch of mystery.
Many who attend say it’s an experience that stays with them long after the last coffin crosses the finish line. This blend of history, legend, and creative expression captures the essence of Halloween in a way few other events do.
7. Planning for the Parade
The coffin races usually take place on the weekend closest to Halloween, making them the centerpiece of a weekend filled with related activities. Beyond the races themselves, visitors can participate in costume contests, explore ghost tours, or attend storytelling sessions that delve into Manitou Springs’ haunted past.
The town embraces the season with decorations and themed events that enhance the spooky ambiance. Given the town’s small size, parking is limited, and many recommend arriving early or using local shuttle services. The influx of visitors transforms the town into a bustling hub of activity, yet the community maintains a warm, welcoming vibe.
Local shops and eateries join the fun with seasonal decorations and special offerings. This thoughtful planning ensures that attendees experience the races and the town’s charm in a safe, enjoyable way, making it a highlight of the fall calendar.
8. A Halloween Tradition Worth Experiencing
While Manitou Springs, Colorado may not have the widespread fame of other Halloween destinations, its Emma Crawford Coffin Races are renowned for their originality and spirit. This annual event turns a local ghost story into a lively, communal celebration filled with laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of creepiness.
Visitors often remark on the genuine warmth and quirky charm that permeates the event – qualities that set it apart from more commercialized Halloween festivities. The races are a reminder that some of the best traditions come from small towns with big imaginations and strong community ties.
For those seeking a Halloween experience that’s off the beaten path, full of character and history, Manitou Springs offers an unforgettable adventure. The sight of brightly painted coffins rolling down the street, surrounded by cheering crowds and autumn’s golden hues, is a memory that lingers long after Halloween night has passed.
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