National Day

National Egg Roll Day

Celebrated on 06/10/2026

Quick Fact

The Egg Roll is a beloved tradition at the White House, dating back to 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes first opened the lawn to children. This annual event features children rolling decorated eggs with wooden spoons, and it has been canceled only during wars and construction. The largest recorded egg roll involved over 35,000 participants in 2019.

Origins and Establishment of National Egg Roll Day

National Egg Roll Day celebrates the White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that began in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes. The event was inspired by informal egg rolling contests on Capitol Hill, which had been banned in 1877 due to damage to the grounds. President Hayes opened the White House South Lawn to children, officially establishing the first Egg Roll. The event quickly became an annual tradition, with subsequent presidents hosting it each Easter Monday.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, the White House Easter Egg Roll has evolved from a simple egg rolling contest into a large-scale festival featuring games, storytelling, musical performances, and visits from the Easter Bunny. In 1933, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt added a focus on children's entertainment. The event was canceled during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, as well as during White House renovations. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan introduced wooden eggs as souvenirs. Today, the event is ticketed and attracts thousands of families, with themes like "Go Green" (2009) and "Let's Move!" (2010). National Egg Roll Day is observed on April 12, commemorating the anniversary of the first official Egg Roll in 1878.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 30,000 people attend the White House Easter Egg Roll each year, with tickets distributed via an online lottery.
• The event uses approximately 30,000 hard-boiled eggs, which are dyed and decorated by volunteers.
• The longest-running White House tradition (except for the presidential inauguration) is the Easter Egg Roll, which has been held continuously since 1878, with only 10 cancellations due to war or construction.

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