14 Oct 2013
One of the most unusual and wacky Halloween events takes place in Colorado where local people dressed in 19th century costumes race through Manitou Springs on hand-made coffins, celebrating the legend of Emma Crawford.
This year, the 19th Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Race and Festival will be held on Saturday 26 October 2013.
Costumed impersonators of Emma Crawford, a 19th-century local who was buried on nearby Red Mountain, ride on 50 hand-made, coffin-like contraptions pulled by teams of four "mourners." A parade and awards for the best Emma and most creative coffin complete the daylong event. The night before, a Victorian Wake is held at Miramont Castle in Emma's honor. Emma supposedly still haunts Red Mountain. www.manitousprings
The Legend
Emma Crawford lived in Manitou Springs at the turn of the century, arriving with the hopes that the famous drinking Mineral Springs would help with a cure for her tuberculosis. Sadly, in the summer of 1890 Emma died quite young, just before she was to marry. Her wishes were to be laid to rest on top of Red Mountain. Her heartbroken fiancé and eleven other men began the arduous task her carrying Emma's coffin up to the top of Red Mountain. It took them all day, working two shifts to scale the 7200 foot Summit. In 1929, after years of stormy weather on the granite mountain the granite gave way and Emma's remains were washed down the side of Red Mountain. Emma was later buried in the Manitou Springs Cemetery in an unmarked grave. An official grave site was granted to her in 2004 to honour her life. Now every year in late October, Manitou Springs remembers this beautiful young woman who loved her town and her Red Mountain with this unique festival.
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Note to Editors:
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine, and 25 renowned ski resort areas. The state's scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, eleven national parks and monuments, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.
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Further information and images are available by contacting:
Fiona Pettitt
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08456 020 574
