For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
March 22, 2005

Update: White House to Hold Annual Easter Egg Roll

Spring Event, which started in 1878, is one of the oldest White House Traditions

Washington, D.C. -- The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held Monday, March 28 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 two dates for entry to the South Lawn. The majority of tickets will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, with the remaining tickets available beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, March 28. The tickets, which are timed for entrance, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (southwest corner of 15th and E Streets). A maximum of five tickets will be issued per person. Children of all ages are welcome to attend, as long as there is at least one child seven years old or under and no more than two adults per group. Tickets are required for every attendee, including small children, to enter the White House South Lawn. No tickets are necessary for access or events on the Ellipse.

Activities begin at 7:30 a.m. on the Ellipse with food and entertainment. On the South Lawn, children age seven and under can participate in the egg roll, and all children may participate in egg decorating and other activities. For all family members, there will be live music; reading corners with special guest readers including Doreen Cronin, author of the book Click Clack Moo and Sonia Manzano, "Maria" on Sesame Street and author of No Dogs Allowed!; and several stage shows. Also in attendance will be some favorite characters from children's educational programming, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Leona from Between the Lions and The Berenstain Bears.

Baby strollers and wheelchairs will be permitted on the South Lawn; however, outside food, coolers and lawn chairs will not be allowed on the White House grounds. In order to facilitate entry into the event, please limit your carry-in items. All public entry into the Egg Roll will begin on the Ellipse. Guests will be escorted to the South Lawn per their designated ticket time. Parking will not be available near the White House and the use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. The closest Metro stops are Federal Triangle and Metro Center.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

For the most up-to-date information on the Easter Egg Roll and other public events at the White House, please call the Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041.

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