30K Flock to White House Egg Roll

The Obamas welcomed thousands of people to the South Lawn today for the White House's annual Easter egg roll, standing alongside the Easter Bunny and such less-heralded mascots as Colby Carrot and Eric Eggplant, USA Today reports. Messrs. Carrot and Eggplant, of course, were there to help in Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign. "We want you guys to have a good time and keep moving and be healthy," she said. "And kids, eat your vegetables, OK?"

Some celebrities were also on hand, including Quvenzhane Wallis, Adrian Peterson, and a number of Sesame Street muppets. More than 30,000 people from 50 states are expected, chosen by random lottery. The White House has 19,000 eggs prepared, 14,500 of which were pre-painted, with the rest available for kids to paint. And somebody had to pay for those eggs: The Washington Post reports that with the budget tightening, the White House turned to corporate sponsors and the sale of commemorative eggs featuring Obama's signature to finance the event. (More Barack Obama stories.)