I was lucky enough to snag a ticket to yesterday’s Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Although I was probably the oldest visitor there who was not accompanying a child, I still had a blast moseying around the South Lawn, watching families roll eggs (watching, being the key word), and screaming along with the pre-teens when the cast of Glee and Sara Bareilles performed.
This year’s theme was “Ready, Set, Go!” in honor of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign. Kids were able to participate in yoga classes, dance routines, sports competitions, and hula hooping contests to encourage fitness and health.
In addition to the exercise activities, kids could pick their own fresh produce, provided by Whole Foods Markets. Clementine oranges, bananas, pears, and of course, carrots (of the Bugs Bunny sort, with the long stems still attached) were on hand for parents and kids to eat.
Celeb chefs also gave healthy cooking demonstrations. Being the foodie that I am, I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of White House Chef Comerford (pictured left; I totally thought she should have won Iron Chef America) and Chef Nora of the original organic mecca, Restaurant Nora (pictured right). Chef Comerford served up some delectable-looking granola while Chef Nora served perfectly ripe tomatoes with hard boiled eggs and vinaigrette.
I also couldn’t resist taking a photo of the infamous White House garden. Though it still shows signs of wear and tear from this year’s rough winter, seedlings are beginning to sprout. I bet when summer arrives, the garden will be full of delicious home-grown organic veggies!
Celebs were also on hand to provide entertainment for the crowds. One of the highlights of my morning was watching the cast of Glee perform. I can’t wait till the show starts up again this month! The cast performed some of my favorite songs from the show, including “Somebody to Love,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” They sounded even better in person! Here are some more photos:
Other performers included the amazingggg Sara Bareilles (sadly, my photos of her did not turn out well!), baby-faced Justin Bieber (who all the kids went crazy for), and Yo Gabba Gabba. Celebs also read stories over at the Storytime stage. Reese Witherspoon (photo below; I felt like the paparazzi!), Apollo Anton Ohno, and President Obama all participated.
Though I initially felt a bit sheepish about going to the Easter Egg Roll, it turned out to be one of the best days I’ve had in DC–and an awesome excuse to spend the morning outside and walk around the spectacular White House grounds. Turns out, easter egg rolls aren’t just for kids!
The Unpaid Gourmet 