WHAT IS THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL?

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a tradition that has spanned more than 130 years and numerous Presidents.  The event is held on the South Lawn of the White House.  The egg roll itself involves rolling a hard-boiled colored egg on the lawn with a large serving spoon, although the event now has many more activities for participants, such as musical groups, an egg hunt, sports, reading, and crafts, among other activities.  For participating, each child is given a commemorative wooden Easter egg signed by the President and First Lady.  Under current rules, a family must have at least one child 10 or under to attend.  Older siblings are welcome to attend, but at least one child must be 10 or younger.  The 2010 White House Easter Egg Roll is scheduled to be held April 5, 2010. Information about how to obtain tickets for the 2010 event have not yet been announced.

HISTORY OF THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL

Originally started as an activity by children in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill on their day off from school, the egg rolling and related activities became too much for members of Congress so it was banned by law.  The event was moved to the White House in 1878 after President Hayes consented to using the White House lawn and it has continued at the White House nearly every Monday after Easter since.  The National Archives has a very comprehensive history of the White House Easter Egg Roll and the archived White House websites from the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations also have historical information and photographs about past Easter Egg Rolls.  The White House Historical Association has published a book called The White House Easter Egg Roll designed for children and adults alike.  There is also a song called Easter Monday on the White House Lawn that was written by John Phillip Sousa who performed at the Easter Egg Roll with the Marine Band. The National Park Service has a variety of photos from past events.

2009 WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL

An estimated 30,000 tickets were distributed for the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll.  The participants were spread out among 5 different time slots, with the event starting at 8:00am and concluding around 5:00 pm.  President Obama and his family, along with the Easter Bunny and Vice President Biden also made an appearance.   The President and Mrs. Obama made a few remarks to welcome the attendees.  The President later read a story, visited the basketball court, and observed the egg rolling venue.  The Obama daughters also participated in the egg roll.  The theme for the 2009 Egg Roll was "Let's Go Play!" and featured a variety of sports to encourage physical activity.  Mrs. Obama's recently planted White House vegetable garden was also on display to encourage healthy eating.  There were a large number of activities for the participants throughout the South Lawn.  Due to the number of activities available and the large crowds it was necessary for participants to choose just a few of the activities during the approximately hour and a half time that they were allowed on the White House grounds.  The White House website has a slideshow and videos of the 2009 events.

 

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ENTER TO WIN

AN OFFICIAL 2010 WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL WOODEN EGG

   

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The actual 2010 egg design has not yet been released, egg shown above is from the 2009 Easter Egg Roll.  Limit one entry per person per day through April 5, 2010.  Winner will be announced on April 9, 2010 and contacted using the e-mail address provided.  Provided e-mails will only be used to contact the winner, they will not be used for any other purpose. Neither this site nor this sweepstakes are affiliated with or sponsored by the White House or any government agency. Prize will only be shipped to a U.S. mailing address. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

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