On April 10, 2023, close to 30,000 guests, selected via an online lottery, attended the White House Easter Egg Roll. The fun event was divided into nine, two-hour-long sessions to accommodate the large number of guests. It included various exciting activities as well as appearances by popular costumed characters and celebrities.
The first group of kids and families arrived at the White House South Lawn at 7:00 am EST. Following a welcome speech from the president, the kids rushed to find some of the nearly 50,000 colorful eggs scattered around the garden. They then awaited the president's whistle to roll eggs down the marked lanes with long, wooden spoons.
After the egg roll, families explored the various activities planned for the day. In keeping with this year's theme, "EGGucation," the South Lawn was transformed into a "school community." Young guests could listen to a story at the Reading Nook or learn to build robots. Budding chefs could try their cooking skills at a cafe or visit a "farm" to see how things grow. There was also a talent show station and a physical activity zone, complete with an obstacle course. Live music played by military bands and popular costumed characters like Winnie the Pooh and Tigger added to the festivities.
The Easter Egg Roll is believed to have started in the early 1870s. It initially took place on the grounds of the US Capitol. But the popular event caused a lot of damage to the perfectly-terraced lawns. In 1876, US lawmakers passed a law prohibiting the public use of the Capitol grounds for the fun event. Three years later, President Rutherford B. Hayes decided to host the egg roll on the South Lawn, and a cherished tradition was born.
Resources: WhiteHouse.gov, CNN.com, USAToday.com
