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April 13th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

White House Easter Egg Roll Video, Photos

President Barack Obama at the White House Easter Egg Roll 2009

Here are the 2009 White House Easter egg roll video and photos. The traditional event took place on April 13, 2009 on the White House lawn and was open to the public, via ticket. The entire Obama family was present; President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia as well as Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, and someone dressed up as the Easter bunny.

The annual tradition dates back 131 years and was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. The 2009 White House Easter egg roll was the largest in history with more than 30,000 participants from 48 states. The theme was “Let’s Go Play” and featured a myriad of activities in addition to the actual Easter Egg Roll, including games and storytelling. The event also had musical performances from Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie (who sang the National Anthem; see video below), Ziggy Marley and the D.C. Youth Orchestra, and others.

President Barack Obama at the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll

President Obama played basketball with some of the teens. He also read stories to some of the younger children, including Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak, which he said was one of his favorite books.

As he read about imaginary beasts and the adventures of the book’s main character, a little boy named Max wearing a wolf suit, the president howled and spoke in a monster voice. When he finished the story, almost all the children clapped, but one started crying. “These wild things can be a little scary,” Obama said with a smile as someone picked up the boy and held him.

Source: Obamas Host Easter Egg Roll on White House Lawn

In addition to being a fun, family focused event, the First Family also used the event to promote healthy eating and exercise.

“Our goal today is just to have fun,” [Michelle Obama] said. “We want to focus on activity, healthy eating. We’ve got yoga, we’ve got dancing, we’ve got storytelling, we’ve got Easter egg decorating. Oh, we’ve got basketball (applause) — a little soccer, as well. And we want everybody to think about moving their bodies, get out.”

Source: Michelle Obama promotes physical activity at White House Easter Egg Roll (Visit to see several more White House Easter egg roll photos.)

Photo credit: Chuck Kennedy and Pete Souza/White House

Watch White House Easter Egg Roll video below.

YouTube Link

Fergie sings the National Anthem

YouTube Video Link

Via Rap-Up.com

CBS video report on the White House Easter Egg Roll