President Barack Obama praised the White House Easter Egg Roll as “one of the greatest White House traditions because it reminds us that [the White House] is the people’s house”. And on the Monday after Easter (April 5, 2010) this sentiment is entirely true. It is one of the few days a year that the White House opens its arms and welcomes the American public.

The tradition of egg rolling in Washington D.C. is as dated as the city itself. For years, children would literally roll hard-boiled eggs down the slope at Capitol Hill during their Easter break from school. This transcendent tradition remained unhindered until 1876, when the excessive amount of children rolling eggs (and their bodies) down the grass of the Capitol took its toll on the grounds. Later that year, Congress passed legislation prohibiting the Capitol building to be used as a children’s playground; the law was set to be enforced in 1877. However, the children of Washington were not to be denied. In a move that can only be described as political, the children appealed to then President Rutherford B. Hayes regarding the prospect of moving their egg rolling activities to the lush lawn of the White House. Hayes accepted, and for the last 130 years families from all over the United States have travelled to Washington to participate in the festivities.

In accordance with President Obama’s sentiment, the White House Easter Egg Roll can be attended by any family in the United States with a child under the age of 12. To ensure fairness, each family registers online with tickets awarded via lottery. The last day to register for the event was February 28th, and ticket-winners were to receive an email confirming their attendance after March 4th. If you did not receive tickets, or simply missed the deadline, contact the White House on the day of the event (again April 5th) for additional ways to participate. If you plan on attending the event, be aware that there is a standard security checkpoint, which prohibits any food/drink, duffel bags/suitcases, and animals.

Needless to say, the event has grown exponentially since its official inception in 1878. The 2010 version of the White House Easter Egg Roll includes activities galore to keep you and your children joyfully engaged. The theme of the event is titled “Ready, Set, Go!”, an initiative undertaken by First Lady Michelle Obama to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity. Each activity will promote and encourage ways in which children can begin, and maintain, an active, healthy lifestyle. Thus, numerous sporting courts will be available for use, as well as fun cooking demonstrations geared toward a healthy diet. Live music will accompany the guests throughout the course of the day. In addition, Easter eggs will be scattered over the South Lawn for the children to hunt and discover. And, of course, there will plenty of egg rolling. To commemorate the event, each guest will receive a wooden egg signed by both the President and the First Lady.

The White House Easter Egg Roll has become a staple of tradition to the residents of Washington D.C. and beyond. It offers a beacon of light and innocence in a city so often shrouded with scandal and controversy. The 2010 version of the event promises to be the best year yet, so go enjoy yourself and treat your family this Easter!