Calling all Rocky mountain people! There's an upcoming meetup!
We are going to check out the Coffin Races at Manitou Springs Co- here's what their website says:
Emma Crawford came to Manitou Springs in 1889 searching for a cure for her tuberculosis in the the area’s famed natural cold-water mineral springs. She fell in love with the charming mountain town and her dying wish was to be buried on top of Red Mountain. Unfortunately, Emma succumbed to her illness in 1891. Her fiancé, a civil engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway named William Hildebrand, honored her wishes. With the help of eleven other townspeople, William carried Emma’s coffin up the 7,200 foot slope and buried her near the summit of Red Mountain.
In 1929, after years of harsh winters and spring rains, Emma and her coffin came racing down the mountainside. The young children who happened upon her remains found only the casket handles, a nameplate, and a few bones.
Some say she still haunts Red Mountain today, but the only sure way to see Emma is to come to Manitou Springs and to the Coffin Races and Festival bearing her name.
There's a bit of dark humor to this celebration- perfect for Halloween!
We will be meeting at
12pm
on Main street in Manitou Spring Co
to watch the coffin races!
Here are recommendations from the website about parking.
Come join us on our discord channel to chat or to get additional details. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!