A tradition continued by the White House since 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes started the Egg Roll and opened the South Lawn to the children after they were ejected from the U.S. Capital.

Article by Georgia Simon, Associate White House Reporter

WASHINGTON - Over 30,000 visitors gathered on the South lawn for an age-old tradition of the White House Easter Egg Roll. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed children and farmers to join them on April 10th for the once-a-year celebration. As a teacher for more than 30 years, this year's theme of “EGGucation” is an homage to Dr. Biden. 

The Bidens started off their morning by hosting 40 egg farmers for breakfast. One of the attendees is John Watson of the North Carolina Braswell Family Farms. Watson donated around 30,000 eggs for the roll, a tradition of his own that has been going on “on and off” for 12 years. 

“The hardest part is actually the dyeing part of it,” Watson said. “ It took 10 hours just to hard-boil 10,000 eggs and then it takes longer to dye them because it’s a five stage process.” 

Since 1977, the American Egg Board has awarded a celebratory egg to the First Lady. NPR describes it by saying “the hand painted chicken egg features images of children reading and stacks of books with the words “unity,” “compassion” and “kindness.” Also, one single student from 56 territories and states, has also “designed an egg now on display at the White House.” 

As well as new bunnies were welcomed this year, with the costumes sponsored by the White House Historical Association. 

With many celebrities making their way to the event, Halle Bailey, who is playing Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live action movie of The Little Mermaid, made an appearance to read her new book The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash, to the children. 

“This was my first time ever seeing this book in person, and watching the kids’ reactions to the story was my favorite part of it all,” Bailey said in a tweet. 

Many special families were in attendance as well, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chastin Buttigieg as well as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. 

The first lady also took the time to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to the children at the event. Holding the book was Beau Biden, grandson of Dr. Biden, while the first lady flipped through the pages. 

In a special performance, the Broadway cast of the The Lion King, performed on the talent stage at the event, singing Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and Circle of Life. 

“The Lion King has amazed and enchanted kids and grown ups alike. And now they’re bringing their magic to the Easter Egg Roll,” Dr. Biden said. 

Following the event, the eggs were to be composted according to the American Egg Board. They will be used across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., in local community areas like parks.