Families draped in pastel suits and bright sundresses flooded the White House’s South Lawn for the 148th annual Easter Egg roll on Monday morning as US military bands blared through blue skies.
Those in attendance were fortunate enough to score a highly sought ticket, which were dispersed to President Donald Trump’s administration employees, friends and those lucky enough to win a ticket lottery.
The President and First Lady began their remarks flanked by an unidentified person in an Easter bunny outfit. Eric and Lara Trump were in attendance as was Tiffany Trump with her husband and child.
Trump joked that he was told to use plastic eggs for the event after an official told him prices would be too high to use real ones.
The roll on the White House lawn began in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes after grouchy lawmakers in Congress banned children and their families from rolling eggs down Capitol Hill, citing concerns over the little feet damaging the landscaping.
These days the event draws tens of thousands of people to the White House, where children get to embark on an Easter egg hunt – for real eggs – while their parents socialize and a Trump administration official hops around the grounds dressed as the Easter bunny.
The main event: The Easter Egg Roll – a traditional game where decorated, hard-boiled eggs are rolled across the White House lawn using just a spoon. The custom historically symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb.
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this summer, the White House wanted the Easter event to drip with patriotic pageantry.
The eggs for the roll have all been dyed red, white and blue.
Less patriotic, however possibly more American, are the many corporate sponsors that flocked to the event: Meta hosted a booth on AI, YouTube gave out swag bags, The New York Stock Exchange sponsored a challenge coin creation station, and of course, Coca-Cola provided drinks, including Trump’s favorite – Diet Coke.
Music was provided by the US Marine Band, Army Band, Navy Band, Air Force Band and the Revolutionary War recreating Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.
