One of Penn State’s best traditions is on the horizon as the dates for the 6th annual “55 Days of Cafe” were announced earlier this week. Save up some of that spring break money, Penn Staters, because this year’s event begins the day classes restart after Spring Break: Monday, March 11.

For those who don’t know, 55 Days of Cafe is a marathon event where Penn State seniors (who are 21+) attempt to go to Cafe 210 for 55 consecutive days and purchase at least one item from the menu — alcoholic or non-alcoholic — every single day. The dates of the event were altered this year to accommodate for graduation weekend. This year the 55th and final day of the event will be on May 6, the Monday that follows graduation weekend.

The Saturday (May 4) and Sunday (May 5) of graduation weekend will not count toward the 55 days. Easter Sunday (March 31) is also a free day.

The event’s official rules as listed on the Cafe 210 event Facebook page are listed below. Read them carefully, you’ll need to know each one if you are planning to accept the challenge.

• You must consume one drink (non-alcoholic beverages are allowed) or one food item every day during the duration of the club. One day equals from when we that day until we close. Coming earlier in the day, then again after midnight does not count as a second day.
• You must be 21 or older and a Penn State senior to participate. You must show valid ID upon entry – drivers license or passport.
• You must sign in every day that you are here and have purchased a food item or beverage. There will be a sign-in sheet at the bar during the day with the doorman checking ID’s at night. You will be assigned a number which will remain the same for the duration of the 55 days. Please use that number when checking in.
• Out of town absences will be excused with a receipt showing you had food or a drink at a restaurant or bar. Liquor stores, beer distributors, and grocery stores do not count. Turn in the receipt with your name and 55 day number clearly printed on the top.
• An unexcused absence can be made up by doing a “day long” shift. You must check in with the manager at 11 a.m. and stay until midnight. You are allowed two day longs for two absences. Any more unexcused absences and you are disqualified. 
• All of those who successfully complete their 55 days are invited to a party at Cafe on the last day and will have their names engraved on the official 55 day plaque. 

As a senior, I am one of many who will be seeking to live on in Penn State infamy with my name inscribed on the 55 Days plaque inside Cafe 210. It will be an honorable challenge that will sure to take a nice toll on my wallet. Besides that, I can already picture the hungover Sunday afternoons in which my roommates and I have to peel ourselves off the couch to make the grueling (two-block) walk to Cafe. But it will all be worth it in the end… I think.

Several Onward State alums have written about their experiences with 55 Days over the past few years. If you’re on the fence about participating here are a few links to check out:

• 4th Annual 55 Days of Cafe: Challenge Accepted – Caity Rogowski
• Protips for Surviving 55 Days of Cafe – Dan Vecellio
• 55 Days: The War of Attrition – Tyler Hoy