THE GREAT EGG ROLL

Dolly Madison, the wife of the fourth American President, organized an egg roll in Washington, D.C. She had been told that Egyptian children used to roll eggs against the pyramids so she invited the children of Washington to roll hard-boiled eggs down the hilly lawn of the new Capitol building!

The custom continued, except for the years during the Civil War. In 1880, the First Lady invited children to the White House for the Egg Roll because officials had complained that they were ruining the Capitol lawn.

It has been held there ever since then, only canceled during times of war.

The event has grown, and today Easter Monday is the only day of the year when tourists are allowed to wander over the White House lawn. Michelle Obama, or any other wife of past presidents, sponsors it for the children of the entire country. The egg rolling event is open to children twelve years old and under. Adults are allowed only when accompanied by children!