“Easter Monday” is an important day – did you know that? Take a timeshare rental in the Washington, D.C., area and head to the White House the day after Easter.
It began as a simple gesture to local children by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. And 134 years later the White House Easter Egg Roll continues to be a hugely popular spring activity – held every year on the Monday after Easter.
The South Lawn of the White House is where children aged 12 and under hunt Easter eggs, and race the wobbly ovals across the green spring grass. The children and their families also get to participate in sports, cooking classes, and storytelling, as well as enjoying live musical performances.
There are actually records of informal “Easter egg games” being held at the White House as early as Abraham Lincoln’s administration. Following the Civil War Easter egg games became an annual event on the grounds of the Capitol building.
But in order to prevent destruction of the grounds by the large crowds Congress passed a law in 1876 suspending all recreational activities on the Capitol grounds. When the law went into effect in 1878 President Hayes stepped in and offered an official Easter experience to the local children on the lawn of the White House.
The Easter Bunny, who is now a permanent fixture of the event, was introduced by President Nixon. By 1981 the “Easter Egg Roll” had evolved into a major event that included clowns, Broadway show vignettes, and even a petting zoo.
For the past several years the event has had a theme that is announced by the First Lady, and each child 12 and under also receives an official egg inscripted with the year’s theme and with the embossed signatures of the President and the First Lady.
The 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 9. This year’s theme chosen by First Lady Michelle Obama is “Let’s Go! Let’s Play! Let’s Move!”
A special event this year sure to tickle the fancy of all the kids is getting to toss colored Easter eggs off the White House roof at targets below. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special brunch at the White House Mess that includes a very kid-friendly menu.
Tickets are distributed free of charge via an online lottery system, allowing families from all across the United States to participate.
Plan a budget-friendly family Easter trip to Washington, D.C., by renting a timeshare at the Wyndham Old Town Alexandra – they start at just $71/night. You can get a timeshare rental at Wyndham’s Vacation Resorts at National Harbor starting at $115/night.
Photo Credit (top): whitehouse.gov
Photo Credit (center): idolator.com