Teams race down Manitou Avenue in coffins for annual festival

Coffins raced down Manitou Avenue Saturday afternoon for the 24th Annual Emma Crawford Coffins Races.

More than 60 teams constructed their own coffin, picked a team and tried their best to make it down the track without their vehicle falling apart.

The event brings in thousands of visitors from all over the country, many of whom dress up and participate in the big block party.

The festivities kick off with a parade of coffins and hearses, but what really gets the crowd going are the races.

The teams each take one side of the road to compete against each other and the clock. The ultimate winner was a team called, “Night of the Living Shred.” They made it down the track in 25.9 seconds.

Getting to the finish line dressed in costume and with not so reliable equipment prevents some participants from making it very far, but as long as they get there is what matters most.