Ka'Priese, from Youngstown com. Shcool writes:
Who started the first Easter egg roll?

Sara Armstrong
Great question, Ka'Priese! The first White House Easter Egg Roll was held in 1878 hosted by President Rutherford B. Hayes. In fact, the history of the first Easter Egg Roll is quite an interesting story. Learn more about it by visiting the History of the White House Easter Egg Roll section of WhiteHouse.gov.

Miriam, from Washington, DC writes:
Where would I get tickets for the easter egg roll, when can I get the tickets and how many are allowed? Thanks

Sara Armstrong
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held Monday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House.

The National Park Service will distribute free tickets on Saturday, April 7 beginning at 7:30 a.m. on a first-come basis at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (southwest corner of 15th and E Streets). A maximum of five tickets will be issued per person. Also, a small allotment will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, April 9.

Tickets are required for every attendee, including small children, to enter the White House South Lawn. In addition, there will be activities, food and drink on the Ellipse, which do not require tickets.

Glenda, from Irving, TX writes:
I am interested in the "state eggs" and what they look like up close; is there somewhere online that we can go to view them?

Sara Armstrong
Yes, Glenda. The 2007 Easter Egg Collection is currently on display at the White House Visitors Center in the Department of Commerce Building in Washington, DC until April 30. Since 1994, artists from across the United States have created decorated eggs annually, representing each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

To see this year's collection, including the egg from your home state of Texas (featured just for you), please visit the 2007 State Easter Eggs page on WhiteHouse.gov.

Kimberly, from Rockville, MD writes:
If it happens to rain, thunderstorm,etc. on the day of the Easter Egg Roll will the event be canceled and scheduled on a different day or is it done altogether?

Sara Armstrong
Well, since you are local, you are probably more familiar with the rainy Egg Rolls of years past. However, we are VERY optimistic that we will be spared from another soggy South Lawn this year.

The forecast looks a bit chilly but promising and we will be monitoring weather patterns as the event grows closer. In the case of severe, inclement weather resulting in an unsafe environment for attendees, the event will be cancelled altogether.

For latest updates on Monday morning, please call the Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041.

Hannah,, from richmond, va writes:
Can you tell us who some of the special guest readers and entainers will be this year? Thank you.

Sara Armstrong
This year's event will focus on physical fitness and ways to stay active and healthy. Personal trainer and fitness expert Denise Austin will be on hand to lead attendees through fun and easy exercises kids can use to stay fit.

Special guest readers include children’s book authors Michelle Knudsen and Mary Pope Osborne, author and illustrator David Wiesner, NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Strug and actor Stephen Baldwin.

We'll also have lots of great strolling characters like Shrek, Bugs Bunny, Charlie Brown, Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Official White House Easter Bunnies and many others.

There will also be live entertainment from Sesame Street, Miley Cyrus who stars in the hit series Hannah Montana, and several other stage performances. Families can also enjoy animal introductions from Peter Gros from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

Thanks for your question.

Kim, from Hawthorn Woods, IL writes:
We are not able to attend the Easter Egg roll, as much as we would like to. Is there anyway we can purchase one of the wooden eggs that are given out that day?

Sara Armstrong
A popular question, Kim. Yes, you may purchase a 2007 souvenir wooden egg by visiting the National Park Foundation website. This year's egg comes in four festive colors including Fuchsia, Purple, Sea Foam Green and Turquoise.