One of the oldest events at the White House has become a favorite event in Abilene. Cool damp weather did not deter the enthusiasm of a large crowd at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home’s annual Eisenhower Easter Egg Roll Saturday.

The local event in Abilene featured an Easter egg hunt, games, face painting, Easter bunny photos, a scavenger hunt, and a petting zoo. It took only a matter of minutes for 7,000 eggs to be gathered.

The Eisenhower Easter Egg Roll is modeled after the White House Easter Egg Roll that began in 1878. The Egg Roll is one of the oldest annual events in White House history, although the event was canceled occasionally during times of war and austerity. The Egg Roll resumed in 1953 after a 12-year hiatus when the Eisenhowers moved into the White House. Mamie Eisenhower desegregated the Egg Roll by inviting all children regardless of race to the event. Ike’s grandchildren also participated in the Egg Roll when he was in office.

The Eisenhower Easter Egg Roll is produced in partnership with the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department, Eisenhower Foundation, and the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. Other organizations volunteering their services for the activities include the Abilene Kid’s Council and students from Abilene High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Student Council (StuCo).