(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — It’s that time of year again–time for Emma Crawford and her pallbearers to don their funniest, spookiest, cleverest costumes and race down Manitou Avenue in a decades-old tradition.
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races honor the memory of Emma Crawford, a young woman who passed away from tuberculosis in 1891 and was buried atop Red Mountain. Local legend says her coffin washed down the mountainside one rainy night years after her death, and now, locals dress their race teams as Emmas and pallbearers and race coffins through the town that Emma so dearly loved.
The free event on Saturday, Oct. 25, begins with a parade at noon along the 900 block of Manitou Avenue, followed immediately by the races. This is a fan-favorite Halloween event and promises to be crowded, so plan ahead and get there early to get a good viewing spot!
Along with some of the costumes, parking can also be a nightmare, so Manitou Springs offers plenty of options for people to park, bike, ride, and shamble into Manitou:
Park and ride the shuttle: Parking is available at the El Paso County Citizens Service Center Parking Structure-1675 Garden of the Gods Rd. The shuttle is $5 CASH ONLY (free for kids 12 and under). Shuttles will run roundtrip continuously from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on race day. The garage will close at 8 p.m.
Park and ride your bike: Park at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, 2 El Paso Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, and ride to the event. Pike Ride Bike Valet at Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave, will operate 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., anyone who bikes will receive a free 20-minute coupon for Pike Ride that they can use day of the event, at a later date, or give to a friend! Also, receive a free drink token to use at the After Party (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Uber or Lyft: Relax like Emma in her coffin as you enjoy a ride to the event without the hassle of parking. Tell your driver to head to 484 Manitou Ave. for rideshare pickup and drop-off.
After the event, head to the after party and award ceremony at Soda Springs Park, where there will be food, drink, and entertainment for all ages.
