It is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence worthy of pizza pi, pi spy, pi-ano, baked pies, and just about anything else with “pi” in the name.
The event is the global Super Pi Day on March 14, 2015, as the date coincides with the first few digits of pi: 3.1415.
Pi is the symbol used in mathematics to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is about 3.14159.
According to PiDay.org, the holiday’s official website, pi is an ''irrational and transcendental number,” the decimals of which ''continue infinitely without repetition or pattern.''
Among its limitless uses, pi is used to calculate the arcs on which planes fly great distances so as to gauge fuel use.
It is also used in astronomy to calculate orbits and sizes of celestial bodies, and in engineering to control moving parts.
As we could not resist the opportunity to toast a fortuitous coincidence on our calendars, here are some March 14 celebrations for Super Pi Day 2015.
From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Scott Township Public Library, 301 Lindsay Road, a free slice of donated pies from Eat’n Park and the Pie Place, or patrons' homemade pies, will be available.
Library director Gina Leone said the day just needed to be celebrated and explained: She has handouts that explain pi and its mathematical significance.
“I hope people come in and talk about what they would like to see at the library, and maybe talk a little pi,’’ Ms. Leone said.
Library adult programmer Adrianne Krings noted that “I'm always encouraging mathematics in all ages.’’
From 6:30 to 8:30 pm Saturday, or after hours, celebrants are encouraged to bring a homemade pie to Sewickly Public Library, 500 Thorn St., for its fifth annual pie baking contest. Everyone is invited.
A panel of judges will select the winner. Slices of the homemade pies will be sold for $2, with all proceeds benefiting the library.
“People like baking pies, and Pi Day is a perfect day to do it every year,” communications librarian Meghan Snatchko said.
At Carnegie Science Center on the North Side, program coordinator Brad Peroney said observing Super Pi Day was a no-brainer. Not only does this date occur once every hundred years, this year on a Saturday, but the city’s St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held that day.
“After the parade, a lot of people will bring their kids to the Science Center,’’ he said. “It’s a perfect day to celebrate pi,” he said.
Scheduled events for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. include tossing a “pizza pi” as a way to learn how pi is used to measure circles, and playing the digits of pi as musical notes on a giant floor pi-ano.
“It’s a physical way to show how pi goes on and on without repeating as you can hear that the notes do not repeat,” Mr. Peroney said.
Attendees can also play “Pi Spy” by searching the first two billion digits of the number to look for digits of their birthday, phone number, or any other number.
Toothpicks and a game board will be used to explain how to estimate pi.
“Pi Day is about making people aware of how mathematics can be used in everyday lives,’’ Mr. Peroney said. “It's also a great way to get them hooked on math.”
Registration for the pie-baking contest in Sewickley is required: 412-741-6920.
Margaret Smykla, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
First Published: March 13, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
