National Pi Day 2014 has commenced in honor of the intriguing mathematical character, π (Pi). Today, math nerds and pie fanatics alike will celebrate with pie eating contests, π recitals, and Albert Einstein look-alike competitions.
Pi is a special number; any circle's circumference divided by its diameter is always π (3.14159265358979....), no matter how large or small the circle is. Pi's digits go on infinitely with no observable pattern, and many fans will compete today to see who can recite the most digits of π.
March 14 was also Albert Einstein's birthday, and CNN reports that a birthday party celebration and tours of his old neighborhood will be given in Princeton, New Jersey today. The city will also host an Einstein-look-alike contest at the Princeton Public Library.
Because Pi sounds like "pie," and pies are round, many people celebrate National Pi Day by eating their favorite pie or a pizza. According to ABC News, Pizza Hut will give away 140 $10 gift cards when people use #PizzaHutPiDay on Twitter between 1-4 p.m. CST. Sbarro will also give 50 random winners a free slice of pizza if they answer the question: Which famous scientist shares a birthday with National Pi Day? (see above...). Details will be released on their Facebook page at 11 a.m. ET.
Some Whole Foods locations will also host a variety of pie eating contests, pie tastings, and pie walks, with discounted pies for purchase. "Duck Dynasty" chef Miss Kay shared her Coconut Cream Pie recipe for fans this morning, in honor of National Pi Day.
