White House Easter Egg Roll Resumes With 'EGG-Ucation' Theme

Members of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps give a musical demonstration during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Wash

Thunder and lightning caused a 90-minute delay for the annual Easter egg roll at the White House on Monday. Despite the gray skies and light rain, over 40,000 people were expected to participate in the event, which saw an increase of 10,000 attendees from the previous year. The theme for this year's egg roll is 'EGG-ucation,' led by Jill Biden, a veteran teacher of over 30 years.

The tradition of the egg roll dates back to 1878 and aims to educate children on various topics such as farming, healthy eating, and exercise. The event featured stations on the South Lawn and Ellipse where kids could engage in activities related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Notable participants at the event included Harry Dunn, a former police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, and Texas Democratic Rep. Colin Allred. Children had the opportunity to partake in activities like making circuit-breakers, simulating fossil digs, and writing notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude.

Jill Biden led the 'EGG-ucation' theme focusing on STEM activities.

Thunder and lightning caused a 90-minute delay for the event.

Event aimed to educate children on farming, healthy eating, and exercise.

Notable participants included Harry Dunn and Rep. Colin Allred.

Activities included making circuit-breakers and writing notes to troops.

President Joe Biden and the first lady mentioned that this year's egg roll might be the largest ever held at the White House. The event also featured a hunt where dollar bills were hidden in plastic Easter eggs. Despite facing criticism for proclaiming March 31 as 'Transgender Day of Visibility,' President Biden emphasized that the White House is 'the people's house.'

The event welcomed thousands of military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors, along with members of the general public who secured tickets through an online lottery. The first lady, who continues to teach English and writing at a community college, expressed optimism about the upcoming campaign and stated that 'people are ready to go, and we're going to win this.'

The White House egg roll, which was not held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed this year and has been a tradition since the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, who first opened the White House lawn to children after they were banned from the U.S. Capitol grounds.