White House Easter Egg Roll Tickets

The annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House is an enduring springtime tradition. This year President and First Lady Obama will continue this tradition which dates back to the administration of President Andrew Johnson. President Johnson’s family dyed eggs on Sunday which the youngsters of his family would then roll on Easter Monday.

The Easter Egg Roll grew in popularity and the original public event actually took place on the grounds on the United States Capitol. Familes would come for all day picnics and children would roll eggs and themselves down the lush Capitol lawn. Unfortunately the egg rolling took a toll on the US Capitol’s grounds. With little money to adequately maintain the landscaping of its grounds, Congress passed a law banning children’s play activities from the Capitol’s grounds. This seemed to be the end of the Easter Egg Roll!

On Easter Sunday of 1878 President Rutherford B. Hayes was out taking his morning stroll. He was approached by youngsters who were disappointed by the constraints of the new law. They asked the president’s permission to use the South Lawn of the White House for their egg rolling activities. Unfamiliar with egg rolling traditions, President Hayes returned to the White House and was briefed by his staff. The president then issued an executive order that should any children arrive to egg roll on Easter Monday, they were allowed to do so. As the children were turned away from the US Capitol, they were warmly welcomed at the White House!

Future presidents have honored this tradition and the Easter Egg Roll has officially been hosted by the First Family on the South Lawn ever since. The tradition of the Easter Egg Roll has expanded to include activities such as “Egg Croquet” and “Toss and Catch.” Although the new activities are enjoyed by the youngsters, the highlight of the day remains the rolling of a brightly colored hard-boiled egg across the lawn. The President and First Lady are often in attendance and they are joined by members of the Cabinet, various celebrities, and, of course, the official White House Easter Bunny! Each participant in the Easter festivities receives a special gift: a presidential wooden egg complete with the signatures of the President and First Lady.

President and First Lady Obama are slated to host the 131st White House Easter Egg Roll. The theme if this year’s event is “Let’s Go Play” which is designed to encourage America’s youth to engage in health, physically active lifestyles. This year, the South Lawn of the White House will open its gates to children ten years old or younger and their families. Featuring the Easter Egg Roll, the day’s activities will include sporting events, cooking classes, concerts, crafts, and storytelling.

Tickets are strictly required for this event. Public tickets for the Easter Egg Roll will be distributed on-line beginning Thursday, March 26th. The tickets with a specific timed entrance will be e-mailed to each confirmed guest. These tickets must be printed and presented to gain entry onto the South Lawn for the festivities. Tickets can be obtained through the White House website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll/

Source:

http://www.examiner.com/x-1095-DC-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m3d25-How-to-Get-to-the-White-House-for-tours-and-Easter-Egg-Roll