The White House Easter Egg Roll is a beloved tradition that dates back to 1878. Every year, thousands of children and families gather on the South Lawn of the White House for a day of fun, games, and of course, the iconic egg roll. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still a concern in 2022, many are wondering if the event will take place this year.
Quick Answer
The White House has announced that the Easter Egg Roll will return in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 18th.
When was the first White House Easter Egg Roll?
The first White House Easter Egg Roll took place in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes. Local children had been rollings eggs on Capitol grounds, but the practice was banned due to damage to the lawn. President Hayes decided to invite the children to continue the tradition at the White House instead.
The event quickly became an established tradition, taking place nearly every year since (with occasional cancellations during wartime and national crises). Over the decades, the Roll has evolved from a simple lawn event to a larger celebration including music, celebrity appearances, eggs decorated by renowned artists, and more.
How has COVID-19 impacted past Egg Rolls?
The White House Easter Egg Roll was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to concerns over large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the first cancellation of the event since the Truman presidency in the 1940s.
In 2020, then-First Lady Melania Trump announced that the Egg Roll was cancelled “out of an abundance of caution.” The South Lawn event typically draws tens of thousands of attendees, making social distancing impossible.
The 2021 Roll faced similar concerns over COVID-19 and was also called off. The White House stated the decision was made “with the health and well-being of all Americans top of mind.”
Will the Egg Roll take place in 2022?
Yes, the White House has confirmed that the Easter Egg Roll is scheduled to resume on April 18, 2022. This continues a beloved 142-year tradition after necessary cancellations during the pandemic.
The Biden administration has said they are “thrilled” to open the White House grounds once again for the celebration. While COVID-19 remains a threat, case counts are significantly lower due to vaccination efforts.
The Egg Roll will feature many of the classic activities generations have loved, including egg rolling, an egg hunt, costumed characters, musical acts, storytime, and photo opportunities. The White House is emphasizing public health, and masks and distancing may be required.
What are the key details for the 2022 Egg Roll?
Here are the key details for this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll:
- Date: Monday, April 18, 2022
- Location: South Lawn of the White House
- Capacity: The number of attendees allowed will depend on COVID-19 conditions closer to the event date. Recent Rolls have drawn 30,000-40,000 guests.
- Tickets: Free online lottery opened in early 2022
- Events: Egg roll, egg hunt, music, costumed characters, storytime, sports, crafts, souvenir eggs
- Safety: Masks and distancing may be required depending on public health guidance
How can the public attend?
The White House Easter Egg Roll is free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry. Tickets are allocated through an online lottery system each year.
In 2022, the lottery opened in early February and ran for approximately two weeks. Lottery winners were notified in late March via email. Due to high demand, being selected does not guarantee entry. Families are encouraged to only request tickets if they can commit to attending.
A limited number of tickets may also be available through Congressional offices. Visitors can check the official White House Easter Egg Roll website for the most up-to-date details on ticketing.
What are the origins of the Easter Egg Roll?
The Egg Roll tradition has its origins in Washington, D.C. dating back to the 1860s. After Easter Sunday services, children would partake in egg “rolling” contests along the Capital’s grounds. Thechildren would push dyed hard-boiled eggs down grassy hills and slopes to see whose could travel farthest without cracking.
However, the game caused damage to Capitol lawns. In 1876, Congress passed legislation to ban the activity. When a group of children approached the White House to ask President Hayes to continue the tradition, he welcomed them onto the South Lawn for the first official White House Easter Egg Roll in 1878.
How has the event evolved over time?
While initially an informal children’s event, the White House Easter Egg Roll has grown into a larger production with music, celebrity guests, keepsake wooden eggs, and more. Some key milestones:
- 1885 – Officially named the “Children’s Egg Rolling Festival”
- 1889 – AMerican Red Cross volunteers provided first aid
- 1939 – President Roosevelt added egg dying and musical performers
- 1969 – First “egg artists” decorated eggs for charity sales
- 1974 – Egg dying became an organized activity
- 1981 – White House Historical Association began selling commemorative eggs
First Ladies have often put their personal touch on the event. Eleanior Rooseveltover saw the addition of the circular Easter egg roll lanes in 1953, a design which is still used today on the South Lawn.
How many people attend the Egg Roll?
Attendance at the White House Easter Egg Roll varies each year, but is typically in the range of 30,000-40,000 people. The all-time record was set in 2019 under President Trump, when over 40,000 guests joined the festivities.
Here are the approximate attendance numbers for Rolls over the past decade:
| Year | Attendance | President |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 30,000 | Barack Obama |
| 2014 | 35,000 | Barack Obama |
| 2015 | 35,000 | Barack Obama |
| 2016 | 35,000 | Barack Obama |
| 2017 | 21,000 | Donald Trump |
| 2018 | 30,000 | Donald Trump |
| 2019 | 41,000 | Donald Trump |
Attendance numbers are kept intentionally low to avoid overcrowding and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for participants.
What happens if it rains?
The White House Easter Egg Roll traditionally takes place rain or shine. The event proceeds even in less-than-ideal weather, with some modifications.
If there is light rain or drizzle, many activities like the egg roll and egg hunt will continue unimpeded. The grounds may become muddy and slippery, so caution is encouraged. Umbrellas are recommended.
In the case of heavy rain, some outdoor activities may be cancelled or postponed until the weather clears. Music stages and character meet-and-greets are often moved indoors. President and Mrs. Biden may still make an appearance if possible.
Severe weather is rare, but would cause the the Roll to be rescheduled or modified to an indoor event. The White House aims to continue the fun regardless of rain, while prioritizing safety.
Do kids really get to keep the eggs?
One of the most exciting aspects for children is getting to take home real dyed and decorated eggs from the White House. The keepsake eggs make for a unique Easter tradition.
During the egg hunt, thousands of wooden eggs are scattered across the South Lawn. These wooden eggs can be collected and kept by attendees as souvenirs. Many eggs also contain special prize vouchers for fun treats.
Participants also receive a commemorative souvenir egg when they enter the event. These eggs were previously made of wood. Beginning in 2021, they were switched to more sustainable plastic eggs. Each egg features the signatures of the President and First Lady.
What is this year’s theme?
First Lady Jill Biden has selected “Eggucation” as the theme for the 2022 White House Easter Egg Roll. The theme highlights the importance of education and celebrates learning new things.
Activities and entertainment will tie into the “Eggucation” concept. Mrs. Biden is a lifelong educator with a doctorate in education, so the theme reflects her passion for teaching.
Previous Egg Roll themes have included “Be Best” (2019), “Play with Your Food” (2014), and “Ready, Set, Go!” (2010). Themes often focus on health, education, and service – or sometimes just plain silliness!
How can I watch if I can’t attend in person?
For those unable to snag tickets to the2022 White House Easter Egg Roll, the festivities will be streamed live online.
In the past, the White House has provided a livestream of the event on YouTube and social media. Video is typically available on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WH.gov.
The stream gives home viewers a glimpse of the music, storytime, egg rolling, and more. There may also be an opportunity to watch the President and First Lady’s remarks to guests.
After the event concludes, recap videos and photos are also shared by theWhite House. Watching from home is a great way to soak in the fun from anywhere.
How has the pandemic impacted preparations?
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a two-year hiatus for the White House Easter Egg Roll. Now, the 2022 event requires adaptations to keep guests safe and healthy.
In the lead-up to this year’s Roll, White House staff have been monitoring public health guidance around large gatherings. Protocols are being developed to allow for social distancing, sanitization stations, and other precautions.
Officials have said mask-wearing will be encouraged, especially for unvaccinated children. Attendance capacity may also be lowered if case counts rise. Any policy changes will be communicated via the Egg Roll website and ticketholders.
The return of this tradition will be a welcome sign of normalcy after two years of disruption. The White House is committed to bringing back the fun while prioritizing health protocols.
Do presidents and first ladies participate?
Today, it is tradition for the President and First Lady to personally attend and participate in the White House Easter Egg Roll festivities.
The President often gives remarks welcoming families to the White House and wishing attendees an enjoyable day. They may also join in games and activities, most popularly competing in the egg roll race itself.
The First Lady reads a storybook to children, fitting with their education initiatives. They also assist the White House Easter Bunny during the egg hunt on the South Lawn.
Notable past Presidential moments include Lyndon Johnson’s lively egg roll participation and Jimmy Carter’s dramatic win with a hard-boiled egg. The President’s involvement delights guests and adds extra fun.
Do other Administration members attend?
In addition to the First Family, many other White House administrators make appearances at the Easter Egg Roll.
Cabinet members and their families often join the festivities. Top officials like the Secretary of Education help relate the day’s activities back to their policy goals.
White House staff members also volunteer at the event, managing activities like the egg dye station and egg hunt. Military personnel assist with logistics like security and first aid.
Some former White House residents return as honored guests. Mrs. Nixon attended alongside President Reagan in the 1980s. Tricia Nixon Cox, Susan Ford, and Maureen Reagan have all made return visits over the years.
How are the commemorative eggs made?
Each child receives a commemorative wooden egg upon entry to the Easter Egg Roll. Originally, these collectible eggs were produced right on the White House grounds.
Beginning in 1981, the White House carpenters shop handled production. Using simple woodworking tools, staff turned blocks of basswood into smooth, oval eggs. The eggs were then painted, lacquered, and pad-printed with the signatures of the President and First Lady.
However, the handmade process was slow and inefficient. Just 35,000 eggs could be made annually. Since 2005, production has been outsourced to Wells Wood Turning in Maine. Computerized lathes and machines now create the wooden eggs.
In 2021, the Biden Administration shifted to more sustainable plastic eggs made in the United States. The eggs feature a depiction of the White House and the President and First Lady’s signatures.
Conclusion
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a time-honored tradition for Washington D.C. families. After necessary cancellations during the pandemic, the Egg Roll is back with the “Eggucation” theme to celebrate learning in 2022.
The Easter Monday event brings together children, families, White House administrators, and even the President for a day of games, crafts, music, stories, and memories. The commemorative eggs make for priceless souvenirs.
With adaptations for health and safety, the 2022 Roll looks to bring back this beloved tradition on the South Lawn. For those unable to attend, virtual livestreams bring the magic to homes nationwide.