A White House Easter extravaganza

On the Monday after Easter, the President's South Lawn becomes a playground filled with squealing children and giant bunnies.

Most days, visitors stand outside black wrought iron fences to gaze upon the White House and its beautifully manicured lawn. But not on the Monday after Easter. The gates open early, and thousands of kids frolic on the President's sweeping yard.

To those unfamiliar with the annual post-Easter celebration, the scene must seem surreal. Giant rabbits dressed in tailored waistcoats stroll around the area, posing for pictures with those who ask nicely. Huge yellow chicks just bursting from their shells waddle around, shaking hands and making polite conversation. Musicians and magicians vie for precious pint-size smiles. National television shows often broadcast live from the event.

The main draw is the Easter Egg Roll. For some reason, kids in Washington, D.C., roll their eggs with large kitchen spoons instead of searching for them in crooks of trees and clumps of grass. The annual event was long ago hosted by the states' elected representatives, but the ruckus proved too distracting for that exclusive club.

After Congress banned the rowdy youngsters from the Capitol lawn, President Rutherford B. Hayes invited them to his house. The tradition has marked the beginning of spring ever since. Just to show that no hard feelings linger, many Congresspeople, Senators, and cabinet secretaries bring their families to the festivities.

White House chefs annually boil some 10,000 eggs and color them with bright pastels for the occasion. Children wait in line for a chance to chase these colored orbs across the gently sloping patch of emerald grass. Still, winning seems less of an objective than the running, jumping, and squealing that accompany the competition. All participants earn a prize regardless of how well they fare.

"This is your home, and you're welcome to the yard of your home," President George W Bush generously announces in his brief address. "We're so glad you're here."

Members of the White House Press Corp elbow for position as the President makes his way onto the lawn. Many parents move closer for a glimpse of the Chief Executive, shoving their little ones before them.

Courtney Golubin watches the circus-like scene unfold from her position in line some distance away. "The event is fun and great for all ages. It's like a political Disneyland," the 12-year-old observes, pushing an errant titian lock behind her ear.

The party continues into the early afternoon. Waves of little girls, dressed in patent leather shoes and Easter bonnets, twirl in circles to make their frilly dresses fly. Hoards of little boys sport navy jackets and clip-on ties, looking for all the world like miniature legislators set to govern. Those in jeans-and others who can escape mom's discerning eyes-roll themselves down the hills and across the lawn. Above it all, the adults beam with pride.

It takes a passel of volunteers and White House staff to keep pandemonium at bay. Still, judging by the broad smiles, the job is a satisfying one. "It gets better every year," says Kathryn Perkins, an Arlington, Virginia, resident who assumes the identity of B.B. Rabbit to entertain the President's guests. "It's just so much fun. I like to meet the children, shake their hands, and see the looks on their faces. They actually believe I'm a rabbit."

Still, Kathryn says there are a few things a volunteer must always remember. "I never drink anything before I come out here," she confesses. "I mean, it's not easy getting out of a bunny suit. I made the mistake of drinking a cup of tea one year. I'll never make that mistake again."

The 124th White House Easter Egg Roll is scheduled for Monday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn. The coveted tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For details call the 24-hour Visitors Center hot line at (202) 4567041, or visit www.whitehouse.gov. *

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE EGG ROLL?

Even if you can't visit the White House this year, your kids can still send Easter greetings to the President and First Lady. Mail cards and letters to the following.

President George W. Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500

Attn: Student Correspondence

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2003
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