First Lady Melania Trump to lead 147th annual White House Easter Egg Roll

First Lady Melania Trump announced she will be spearheading this year's annual White House Easter Egg Roll, a historic tradition for kids dating back to 1878. The event will be held on the White House's South Lawn on April 21. 

Children from all 50 states will be included in the celebration and will receive souvenir eggs as a commemorative piece to take home, according to the White House. 

The tradition stems from Rutherford B. Hayes' presidency when he opened up the White House lawn to a group of kids who asked if they could play Easter egg games in 1878. Before that, egg rolls were banned at the White House due to landscaping concerns. The White House Easter Egg Roll is now in its 147th year, missing only two years due to emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The president and first lady look forward to continuing this entertaining tradition and making it a truly memorable experience for all," the White House said in a statement.

 

First ladies are typically in charge of the event and often incorporate their own interests into the celebrations, Fox News reported. According to the White House, the festivities have previously included the traditional egg roll races and dancing on the White House lawn.

The online lottery to acquire tickets will be available from March 4 to March 10, with the winners being announced on March 18. Families with children aged 13 and younger can attend the event.