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29th annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival returns back to the city of Manitou Springs

After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races have returned to Manitou Springs, bringing with them a crowd thousands strong.

By: Dani Whitaker

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and last updated

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. — The Emma Crawford Coffin Races, Parade and Festival returns to Manitou Springs for the 29th year this October.

The Emma Crawford festivities honor Emma L. Crawford, a 19th-century, Manitou Springs resident whose coffin washed away several years after her burial.

The local lore says her spirit still haunts the mountain she was buried on to this day.

Those looking to participate in the coffin races had to sign up and turn in their $100 entry fee to the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, and Office of Economic Development by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 20.

On the day of the race, each team will bring a coffin that meets the event's "Coffin Specifications." Each coffin will be inspected before the race starts, and coffins that don't meet the specifications will be disqualified at that time.

Each team must be made up of five adults— four "pushers" to run and propel the coffin forward and one "Emma" who will sit inside the coffin and steer. All Emmas must wear helmets during the race. Pushers are encouraged to wear protective gear.

Saturday, October 28, is when most of the festivities will take place. You can find the event schedule below or on the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival website.

Saturday, October 28

8 a.m.: Team check-in
10 a.m.: Coffin staging begins
11 a.m.: Parade line-up begins and vendors open in Soda Springs Park
12 p.m.: Parade begins
After the parade: Coffin races begin
After coffin races: Race for Coffin Cup begins (Frozen Dead Guys v. Coffin Races winners)
After Coffin Cup race: Award ceremony
After award ceremony: After Party in Soda Springs Park
1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Performance by The Sweet Lillies
5 p.m.: After party ends
6 p.m.: Last shuttle departs

Street Closures

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Manitou Ave will be closed from Old Man's Trail to the Ruxton Roundabout (all side streets in this area will be closed one block before they intersect with Manitou Avenue)

9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Manitou Ave will be closed from El Paso Blvd to the Ruxton Roundabout
Eastbound traffic will be available on Pawnee Ave, Deer Path Ave, and South Path
Westbound traffic will be available on Lovers Ln and El Paso Blvd

Parking