r
On this day, as the city of Annapolis gets prepared to flood, just remind yourself that it's almost springtime, which means you should get ready for, well, a lot more rain. You can also look forward to a multitude of spring events centered around the April holidays.
r
For example, today marks the opening of the lottery for tickets to the annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn. Tickets are free, but spots are limited, so you must be one of the lucky few to get selected in a random drawing. This event has been taking place in the same location since 1878, with only a few cancellations – for weather and for World Wars I and II. Prior to 1878, local children would visit the lawn of the Capitol Building to play and picnic, and to roll their hardboiled eggs on the lawn.
r
Congressional officials said “get off my lawn!” in a big way, passing an order forbidding kids from playing on the building's grounds. That's when President Rutherford B. Hayes said, “Fine. You all can come to my backyard instead.” Thus a tradition was born.
r
Over the years, this event has gotten bigger and bigger. Last's year's featured not only the traditional egg roll but also appearances by cele ities like JK Rowling, Reese Witherspoon, NFL players, the infamous Justin Bieber – and, of course, the Obama family. The focus was on healthy and active living, with sports activities, like basketball, hula hooping and even yoga.
r
The 2011 Egg Roll is expected to be similar to last year's, with the theme “Get Up and Go!” No word yet on if Bieber will make a reappearance. The event is designed for children 12 and under. You only have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday to enter the lottery. Do so now at the National Parks website.
