White House Easter Egg Roll: Which Role is the Prez playing here?

WASHINGTON — A day after Americans said "Let's Eat," First Lady Michelle Obama promoted the theme of "Let's Go, Let's Play, Let's Move" today during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.


More than 30,000 people were expected in two-hour shifts during the 11-hour eggstravaganza. The entire first family attended: President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, grandmother Marian Robinson and the family dog, Bo, immortalized on one of this year's commemorative wooden eggs.

The Easter Bunny had quite the entourage, with musicians, sports stars, celebrity chefs and enough costumed characters — from Sponge Bob to Spiderman — to fill a Hollywood backlot. Olympian Michelle Kwan, tennis legend Chris Evert and the Harlem Globetrotters were among the athletes who put kids through their paces on a day the first lady strove to highlight her anti-obesity agenda. Also on the roster: Chicago's Ultimate Tumblers.

The president introduced his wife as "the powerhouse of the White House, the one truly in charge, as Malia, Sasha and Bo all know."


"It's a beautiful day. Perfect weather. We are so excited to have you all here," the first lady told those gathered for the big, backyard blowout on a breezy, sun-kissed morning. "Happy Easter and Happy Easter Egg Roll."

President Obama took part in shooting drills with the Globetrotters, missing seven shots at the hoop before hitting one, then moved on to push-ups and later, doubles tennis with Evert and two little ones.

Jennifer Luna, 32, from Chicago's Roseland neighborhood, brought daughter Madeline Valdez. "I'm excited to be here, sharing this moment with my 1-year-old," Luna said, "even though she's a bit cranky."

She's related to a key Obama backer — and scored tickets that way. The same for longtime Chicagoan Art Frigo, 70, of North Palm Beach, Fla., who brought his daughter and grandkids, ages 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 and 2.

"Closest I've ever been to the White House," Frigo said. "There's a lot of people, but I think opening up the White House for kids is special. It's beyond political. It's special."

Many attendees won tickets through an online lottery. Jay and Emily Jones of Ottawa, Ill., won the lottery to attend with their two sons — but had about eight different relatives in the hunt to increase their chances.

Which role is the President playing here as he and the first family kicked off 134 years of tradition at the White House on Monday?  The event dates back to 1878 when Rutherford B. Hayes was president and features egg-rolling races, obstacle courses, book-readings, musical performances, sports and yoga.


134 years of Easter Egg Rolls