2008 Coffin Races
This past weekend, Dan and I went for the second year to Manitou Springs’ annual coffin races. What is cool about this event, besides the people watching, is the story of how the event came to be. To give you a bit of history, the races are for a woman named Emma Crawford who came to Manitou at the turn of the century in a quest to heal herself from tuberculosis. You see there are many springs around this town (hence the name), and many people came here thinking that they possessed healing properties. Emma enjoyed hiking and one day went on a hike up Red Mountain. The hike was a bit too much for her though, because shortly thereafter, she became very ill and passed away. Her wish was to be buried at the top of Red Mountain and it was granted shortly after her passing. However, years later, the weather patterns of Colorado began to take their toll on the summit. One day the granite mountain top gave way and Emma’s remains were washed down the side of the mountain into the town. The coffin races were formed 14 years ago to honor Emma and her love for Red Mountain.
So basically, the Emma honoring is done in 3 ways.
1.The Friday night before the races, a wake is held for Emma. Yes, by wake, I mean the funeral kind of wake… I have never been so I can’t tell you for sure, but I think the coffin remains closed… haha!
2. On Saturday afternoon a parade is held. This involves a parade of hearses followed by a march of all the teams who will be racing up and down the street. Have I told you that each team needs to have some sort of theme? That is one of the best parts. The themes are often ridiculous and sometimes very funny. My personal favorite is the hillbilly team. They also were in the race and parade last year:
Wister - That's his wife and his sister!
The chilluns
Hillbilly Parading
Notable teams/parade goers from this year also include:
Political Team 08 - McCain and Obama were also represented - this was the best picture I got though - ha! Palin makes me laugh :0)
Flame Thowing Hearse - see flames below
Yes - these were directly above my head
Creepy Clown
Forest Gnomes
I have no idea what this guy is supposed to be but his costume rocked!
Look at this woman's eyes
This team meant business
Uncle Fester with the Adaams
3. The teams face off in a race down the street with their coffins. Each team must race with an Emma in the coffin and the best time wins.
I have a million more photos but this post is getting out of control with the imagery 
I’ll leave you with Dan and I at the race.
Dan and I at the Races
We can’t wait until next year!
xo Ash
