Leap Day babies enjoy some 'every 4 years' perks

If you are planning to blow out the candles on your cake on Feb. 29, you are among approximately 205,000 people in the United States who can claim a Leap Year birthday.

Many Leap Year babies celebrate on Feb. 28 or March 1 most years. A Leap year gives them the opportunity the rest of us have every year — to enjoy their birthday on their actual date of birth.

Leap day statistics estimate the odds of a Feb. 29 birthday at about 1 in 1,500.

The extra 24 hours on Feb. 29 are necessary about every four years — a leap year — to keep the calendar in line with the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

On the Facebook page Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies, celebrants wish one another happy birthday, ask when and how they celebrate and share special deals with each other.

Leap deals

“Leapers” have some opportunities only their birth certificates or drivers’ licenses will entitle them to this year.

Olive Garden is giving those diners celebrating their special day at the Italian restaurant chain a dessert of four free dolicinis. It’s an effort to “make up for those lost birthday years,” according to a company statement.

Those who can’t claim a birthday on Feb. 29 can still enjoy several choices of $2.29 — another play on the date — take home entrees on Saturday.

Department store chain Gordmans, formerly Peebles, will hold in-store activities for those celebrating their birthday on Feb. 29.

Patrons with a Leap Day birthday will receive a special gift (identification required) and enjoy treats, hats, streamers and balloons and public address shout outs as they shop.

If you would like some ice cream alongside that birthday cake, or are just craving a cool treat, Lackey’s Dairy Queen in North Apollo is “leaping” into its season this year.

Celebrating its 65th year in business, the popular seasonal ice cream destination usually opens in early March, but with 2020 being a Leap Year, it’s opening on Feb. 29 instead, says Lackey’s owner, Matthew Spires of Washington Township.

The Dairy Queen will be open from noon-10 p.m. on Leap Day and then from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. every day after that.

If it’s your kid who’s celebrating a Leap Day birthday, Fun Fore All Family Park in Cranberry is offering 25 percent off all bonus buy fun cards purchased online on Feb. 29.

Celebrate having an EXTRA DAY of FUN with us! On February 29th, receive 25% off all Bonus Buy Fun Cards purchased online at https://t.co/33aOpIVNk7 ?? #funforeall #FFA #leapday #leapyear #family #fun #cranberrytownship… https://t.co/nzUZR54Foo

— Fun Fore All Family Fun Park (@funforeall) February 20, 2020

Leap year, free beer

If you are over 21, Leap Day birthday or not, you can join Primanti Bros. in celebrating the “leap” with a brew. More than two dozen Pennsylvania locations will offer those stopping by on Feb. 29 a 12-ounce bottle of I.C. Light while supplies last. No purchase necessary, but identification will be required.

2020 gave us a free Saturday - So we’re giving you a free @iclightbeer
Available while supplies last. Limited to 12oz IC Light bottle on February 29, 2020. Limit 1 per customer. Valid in Primanti Bros. Pennsylvania restaurants only. Must be 21 years of age with valid ID. pic.twitter.com/iU64uRstVG

— Primanti Bros (@primantibros) February 25, 2020

Area restaurants include Allison Park, Cranberry, Grove City, Greensburg, Harmarville, Market Square, Monroeville, Moon, Mt. Lebanon, North Versailles, Oakland, Penn Avenue, Pleasant Hills, Robinson, South Side, Strip District, Washington and the Waterfront.

For a full list, visit primantibros.com

Make a toast to your favorite Leap Day birthday person, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The PLCB has announced that on Feb. 29 all wines, spirits and accessories will be 10% off in every Fine Wine & Good Spirits store across the commonwealth and at finewineandgoodspirits.com.

Sheetz is also taking a leap, offering 366 — including that bonus day — free spendable loyalty points to customers ordering through its app on Feb. 29.

Customers can typically only earn “pointz” through almost any purchase made inside the store, redeemable for customized rewards and in-store offers such as self-serve coffee and soda, snacks or Made-to-Order food and specialty beverages.

Eat’n Park Hospitality Group will treat leapers at its various eateries, including a free meal at Eat’n Park restaurants; a free pizza at The Porch at Schenley in Oakland and The Porch at Siena in Upper St. Clair; and a free salad or burger at Hello Bistro locations. Valid ID is needed to take advantage of the offers.