Melania Trump announces return of White House Easter Egg Roll

First lady Melania Trump has announced that preparations are underway for this spring’s White House Easter Egg Roll.  The beloved tradition — now marking its 147th year — dates back to Rutherford B. Hayes’ presidency in 1878, according to the White House website.

Before that time, egg rolls were banned on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol due to an uptick in popularity that caused landscape concerns, the same source stated.  That year, a group of bold children walked up to the White House gate hoping to be allowed to play their egg-rolling games there.  President Rutherford B. Hayes told the guards to let the children enter — which began the annual tradition of Easter Monday on the White House grounds.

President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump and a person dressed as the Easter Bunny, are shown welcoming guests with opening remarks during the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 22, 2019.

This year, the event will be held on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21.  “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.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch children participating in the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 22, 2019, in Washington, D.C

The planning of the egg roll typically falls to the first ladies, with each woman incorporating her own tastes and interests into the event.  Some past additions to the festivities included roping off part of the lawn for dancing and introducing the traditional egg roll races, according to the White House website.  Each year, the children who attend receive souvenir wooden eggs as a commemorative piece to take home.