WASHINGTON (AP) — Calling the moment bittersweet, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcomed thousands of children to the South Lawn of the White House Monday morning for the annual Easter Egg Roll.
The egg rolling began in 1878. Now the event includes storytelling, musical performances and tips from professional athletes on how to play basketball, tennis and other sports. There are even cooking demonstrations and yoga. This year, the first lady added a fun run to the mix.
“I’m going to be running around the White House with a bunch of kids and any adults who feel like they can hang,” the first lady told the crowd Monday morning as the president jokingly signaled in the background that the run wasn’t for him.
The Obamas spoke from a balcony that overlooks the lawn with dogs Bo and Sunny and the Easter Bunny at their side.
More than 35,000 people received tickets that allow them to walk on the South Lawn of the White House, rain or shine. Fortunately, the sun broke through mid-morning after a night of scattered rain showers.
The theme of this year’s event is “Let’s celebrate.” The first lady said she wanted to celebrate families and the nation in what will be the couple’s last Easter in office.
“It’s our diversity. It’s our values,” the first lady said. “That’s what makes us strong.”
The fun run is intended to highlight the first lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood obesity.
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