WASHINGTON, Afghanistan, April 6 (UPI) -- The White House announced Tuesday an impending invasion by giggling children intent on playing games and rolling Easter Eggs on the South Lawn.
The crush, for which tickets will be issued, takes place Monday in conjunction with other children and family-oriented activities on the adjacent Ellipse in Washington. President George W. Bush won't be joining in -- officials said he would still be at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he was meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Middle East peace prospects and other issues.
The traditional White House Easter Egg Roll dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes, acceding to the pleadings of local children who had been barred from rolling eggs at grounds of the U.S. Capitol because of grounds damage, opened the South Lawn to them.
Holding the activity at the White House was only stopped during World War I and World War II and by inclement weather.
The White House said there would be live music, reading corners, stage shows and also cartoon figures.
