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…