ABILENE, Kan. - The second annual Eisenhower Easter Egg Roll will be held Saturday, April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. on the campus of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. This event is free and open to the public and will feature an Easter egg hunt, games, face painting, Easter bunny photos, a petting zoo, a scavenger hunt and more. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 1 p.m. when the siren sounds--so don't be late!  

"Last year's Egg Roll was a great success and we are pleased to host the event again this year," said Karl Weissenbach, Director. "We welcome everyone to our campus for a fun afternoon and an opportunity to visit our exhibits. Admission to the Museum is free all day." 

"Due to last year's success, we have ordered 7,000 eggs to be distributed on the grounds, along with packaged candies as well. We look forward to another fun-filled egg hunt to start the afternoon festivities. Thanks to the staff at the Eisenhower Presidential Library for hosting this annual event. Remember to be there early!" adds Jane Foltz, director of the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department.

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 color 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, the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home and Pinnacle Bank. Other organizations volunteering their services for the activities include the Abilene Kid's Council, Dickinson County 4-H Ambassadors and Abilene High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society (NHS), Golf team, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Singers and Student Council (StuCo).