Once In 100 Years, Pi Day Like This Comes Along At Md. Lab

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Friday is the deadline to get a "Most Epic Pi Day Ever" T-shirt commemorating the March 14 Pi Day race and a celebration at the county's unique Earth Space Science Lab.

The March 14 Pi Day has been dubbed epic this year because, for once in 100 years, the date will correspond not just to pi's repeating decimal number's first three digits -- 3.14 -- but two more decimal places: 3.1415.

Pi Day activities raise funds for the lab, and this year's proceeds will help pay for software and digital equipment, said ESSL co-director Jeff Grills. The event is part of a three-year plan to raise $200,000 to upgrade 6-year-old computer technology when it is needed.

"That's something we want to prepare for," he said. "It's a long-term fundraiser."

The day will start with a run -- not a 5K, a Pi-K -- starting at 9:26:53 a.m. That start time reflects the next five digits of pi.

Other events will include planetarium programs, math activities and exhibits, a "pi" scavenger hunt, and an Einstein lookalike contest, as his birthday was March 14.

Local merchants are donating hundreds of pies for the event. Frederick County Public Schools media artist Stephen Blickenstaff has designed a logo for the lab to feature on the T-shirts.

Participants may register for the race on race day, but T-shirts will be guaranteed by race day only for those who register by Friday. Shirts cannot be guaranteed for those who register after Friday.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

WHAT: Pi Day

WHEN:

7:30 a.m. to  9 a.m. -- The party begins: Registration and packet pick-up at the Lincoln Elementary Gym. Activities and displays. DJ ewok/Erik Legg will serve as MC. Admission costs $3 for nonrace participants. Planetarium show tickets available

9:10 a.m. -- The Epic 3.14 minute warm-up! Elizabeth Tucker, Sport and Health by Wegmans

9:26:53 a.m. -- The Race begins

10:15 a.m. -- Race awards in the gym

10:45 a.m. -- Einstein look-alike contest

9:30 a.m. -- The ESSL opens. Tickets available at ESSL. Pi Day activities and a Pi Day scavenger hunt will be available throughout the day.

10 a.m. -- Planetarium programs begin and will run every half hour through 3 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door as early as 7:30 a.m.

3:14 p.m. -- The "Most Epic Pi Day Ever" comes to a close.

WHERE: 210 Madison St., Frederick

More information CLICK HERE, or call 240-236-2694.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)