Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

3 Children's age — along with 5 and 7 — that is celebrated during the Japanese rite of passage festival Shichi-go-san, which literally means "seven, five, three." Photo sessions for 7-5-3 kids will be held Oct. 13 and 14 at the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in West Fairmount Park. Sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. are $50, and kimono rental is $30. Call 215-878-5097 for required reservations. Two-, 4-, 6- and 8-year-olds will not be appreciated.

21 Jersey number that more than 11,000 online voters selected for Sixers rookie Thaddeus Young, who will sport it this season on the newly designed Sixers uniforms, which are now on sale at the Wachovia Center and will be available at NBAstore.com by Oct. 15. They're not light blue and yellow, but hopefully the Sixers will be able to score more than 56 points while wearing them.

$47 Cost for weekend registration at the first ever FaerieCon, Oct. 12-14 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Don't miss the Good and Bad Fairies Masquerade Balls on Friday and Saturday night at the Trocadero. I'm going as 1986 David Bowie from the movie Labyrinth, which, by the way, they're showing afterward as part of Midnight Movies, which will also feature The Dark Crystal. Bring the kids to ensure a scarred childhood.

50 Number of years the Philadelphia Curling Club has been in existence. Get in on the sweet sweeping action during the club's open house, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 65 Plank Ave. in Paoli. The club recommends you bring a second pair of clean sneakers, loose clothing and a jacket or sweater. But leave your stones at home.

73 Number of Pulaski Day Parades that have commemorated Polish American Heritage Month to date. The 74th annual event will take place Oct. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Parkway. Seventy-four years and still no edible pierogi float. Those who want to make that a reality for the 75th anniversary — or volunteer for this year's parade — can call the parade coordinator on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 215-739-3408.

Can I get your digits? I want to hear about the numerals you need to see. Let a number-runner know at runningnumbers@gmail.com.