By Mona Austin
SUMMARY: Umbrellas, winter coats and rain gear helped thousands of families enjoy a dreary day at the White House for the return of the annual White House Easter Eg Roll.
Thousands participated in the return of the Olympics of Easter Egg Rolls at the White House.
When Pres. Joe Biden spoke to the crowd from the Blue Room balcony, he joked: "My job is to keep it from raining." It was a tall order on an unconventioanlly cold and wet mid-April day in DC for the return of the first in-person Easter Egg Roll," stalled since 2020 following the ourbreak of the Coronavirus. The "eggcitement" of an estimated 30,000 visitors and the determination of president and First Lady Jill Biden who were escorted by a male and female Easter Bunnies, proved to be sunshine on a cloudly day.
“It means so much to see and hear the children and all the families show up to be here today," said Biden, notin the coming " joy, the laughter and the occasional, 'there's the Easter Bunny.'"
Despite overcast skies and 40-degree chilled sprinkles of rain throughout the day, all involved appeared happy to participate in the event that has been held since 1878. The tradition of children doing their best to race with a hard boiled eggs on a spoon or rollin the egg with a spoon on the South Lawn of the White House put a smile on everyone's face. Paused by the pandemic in the first year of the Biden Administration, the family-centered event was replaced with virtual remarks while the Easter Bunny visited the White House. This year they pulled out all the stops with celebrity appearances from night time TV host Jimmy Fallon, singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth, NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, Philadelphia Eagles Brandon Graham (defensive end) and more. From the Biden family Hunter, Melissa, Baby Beau, Ashley, and Natalie joined the festivities.
Fallon cheered for his two daughters with child-like anticipation while waiting for them to cross the finish line of the egg roll after Mr. Biden blew the whistle.
“Go, you got it,” POTUS shouted encouraging a young egg roller near him.
The muddy grounds were converted into a school yard with fun activites and learning stations set up to carry out the frist lady's "eggducation" theme.
“I’m going to quickly read Brown Bear Brown Bear so you don’t get soaking wet,” FLOTUS said from the book nook where Broadway start Kristin Chenoweth read her book and Allen fomr Sesame Street was accompanied by Elmo.
Jimmy Fallon then joined them to read from his book “Nana,” which Dr. Biden noted is what she is called.
Stations for science, sports, entertainment and food were spread over the lawn.
