What is the history of Krunkfest?

"Krunkfest" (also known as Crunkfest) is an esoteric annual Swarthmore tradition involving an elaborate scavenger hunt that includes searching for objects, locations, and behaviors. The event is not typically advertised or widely discussed, as its aura of mystery is prized by the organizers.

According to alum Aaron Strong, '06, who was both a participant and organizer in past Crunkfests, "It occurs in April when the flowers start to bloom and when the rains fall." He mentions that one mythology explaining the tradition links it with "similar spring-time rites" like Easter egg hunts.

According to Strong, "It is an ancient Swarthmore tradition going back decades which was summarily resurrected two years ago [April 2005] by several enterprising students.... This resurrection may or may not have been with the knowledge of decades-old tradition." Strong was supportive of those who wanted to investigate further, but he urged them to consider that part of what gives Crunkfest its unique character is that it is not widely publicized or discussed.

Curious about some other chapter of long, lost Swat history? Ask the Gazette at dailygazette [at] Swarthmore [dot] edu .

Share:

Submit a comment

Submit a Comment

: Log in to verify your identity.
: Required, but will not be made public.

Comments posted anonymously must be approved by Gazette staff before they are published.


Discussion Rules

  • Be nice.
  • Be constructive.
  • Don't curse.
  • Don't threaten.

More details on our policies here.


Register an Account | Login

Browse the Gazette

Sections

Search

Popular Comments

  • AYC '11 on "Swarthmore Borough Tops Philly Magazine Ranking "
  • xx on "Swarthmore Borough Tops Philly Magazine Ranking "
  • Amber Wantman on "SBC Budgeting Results From 2000-2010"
  • Miles Skorpen on "Editors' Note(s): Farewell"
  • Sextipal on "Profile on Rebecca Chopp"
  • Huzilla on "Rollover Money and Campus Life Representative..."

Weather

Friday: Rain Showers. High of 86.

Forgot to publish one of our stories. :|

Overnight: Partly Cloudy. Low of 66.

And we can't exactly just wait for the next issue.

Saturday: Mostly Sunny. High of 78.

Sorry to steal your last-weather-joke thunder, Urooj.

Contact the Gazette

Have questions about the Gazette? Want to suggest a story, or send in a photo you think we'd like? Feel free to send us an email.

If you want to submit an announcement, an event, a lost and found listing, a job, a housing listing, or a book-selling announcement, please use those forms.