World

White House’s annual Easter egg roll to be attended by 40,000 people

The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B Hayes opened the lawns to children.

Eggs designed by children of members of the military adorn the East Colonnade of the White House ahead of the Easter egg roll (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
American Easter egg Eggs designed by children of members of the military adorn the East Colonnade of the White House ahead of the Easter egg roll (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)
By Darlene Superville, Associated Press

About 40,000 people are expected to participate in Monday’s White House Easter egg roll – approximately 10,000 more people than last year.

A teacher for more than 30 years, First Lady Jill Biden is transforming an annual tradition first held in 1878 into an “Egg-ucational” experience.

Various stations on the South Lawn and Ellipse will help children learn about farming, healthier eating, exercise and more, the White House announced on Thursday.

They will still get to coax hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line.

Decorations for the White House Easter egg roll adorn the East Colonnade of the White House (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Easter Egg Preview Decorations for the White House Easter egg roll adorn the East Colonnade of the White House (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)

Guests include thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors.

Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery.

They will be admitted in nine waves, from 7am to 7pm.

Monday’s “egg-stravaganza” will be the third Easter egg roll hosted by President Joe Biden and the first lady.

They did not host the event in 2021, Mr Biden’s first year in office, because of Covid-19.

The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B Hayes opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the US Capitol.