Coffin races

Coffin races or coffin racing is a sports in which the contestants compete in delivering a coffin from start to finish; rules vary.

Emma Crawford Coffin Memorial Races

The town of Manitou Springs Colorado, USA decided "to put 'fun' into funeral" in 1994 while looking for ideas to boost tourism.[1] The Emma Crawford Memorial Coffin Races was based on a local story of an Emma Crawford who wished to be buried at the top of Red Mountain. She was later reburied on a slope due to construction by Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company. Over time due to erosion the coffin became exposed and slid down into the canyon, where it was found and reburied at the Crystal Valley Cemetery.[2] The Races is full day event during the weekend close to the Halloween, which, in part, includes the Emma Crawford Parade. The race itself involves a team of five: Emma and four "mourners", all costumed, who have to push their coffin 195 yards to the finish. The teams race in pairs down the street. In addition, the participants contest for 'Best Emma', 'Best Entourage', and 'Best Coffin' awards during the Parade.[2]

Other places

The Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in Nederland, Colorado happens annually in Spring since 2002. In addition to coffin races, involves other unusual sports and contests, including turkey bowling, frozen samlon toss, Snowy Human Foosball, and frozen T-shirt and brain freeze contests.[3]

Since October 2012 coffin races are part of the Denton's Days of The Dead Festival, Denton, Texas.[4]

In Napa Valley, the Coffin Races, called "Rattled but not Shaken" are organized by the Napa City Firefighters Association. In 2015 there were four divisions: 5 to 15 years, Goblins; 15 to 30 years, Speed Demons; 30 years and over, Crypt Keepers, and a Women’s division, Sirens.[5]

In Gardnerville, Nevada the coffin races are called "Slaughterhouse Lane Coffin Race". It is held the second weekend of October and is organized by the Main Street Gardnerville program and its many volunteers. Halloweened themed vendors and activities throughout the day. You can find more information on the Main Street Gardnerville website calendar. [6]

References

  1. ↑ "Colorado coffin races put the 'fun' in funereal", by Rob Lovitt, Oct. 26, 2012, today.com, NBC News (retrieved November 26, 02015)
  2. 1 2 "Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade" (retrieved November 26, 02015)
  3. ↑ The Frozen Dead Guy Days festival official website
  4. ↑
  5. ↑
  6. ↑
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