by Chip Martin

Created on: April 05, 2007

The story of the White House Easter Egg Roll, which begins at one end of Pennsylvania Avenue and continues at the other, is one of the oldest and most unique traditions in presidential history.
White House Curator Bill Allman Discusses History of the Egg Roll.

Rolling eggs on the Monday after Easter was a tradition observed by many Washington families, including those of the President. Some historians believe Dolley Madison first suggested the idea of a public egg roll, while others tell stories of informal egg-rolling parties at the White House dating back to President Lincoln's day.

The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held Monday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House. Activities on the Ellipse begin at 7:30 a.m. with food and entertainment. Children age seven and under can participate in the egg roll on the South Lawn. For all family members, there will be live entertainment from Sesame Street, Miley Cyrus who stars in the hit series Hannah Montana, and several other stage performances. Families can also enjoy animal introductions from Peter Gros from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Special guest readers include NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, children's book authors Michelle Knudsen and Mary Pope Osborne, author and illustrator David Wiesner, Olympic medalist Kerri Strug and actor Stephen Baldwin. Shrek, Bugs Bunny, Charlie Brown, Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Official White House Easter Bunnies and many other strolling characters will also entertain children on the South Lawn.

Learn more about this author, Chip Martin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.