One kindness yields enduring effects
Not many one-term presidents make a decision that has a lasting impact on both the public and politics. 19th President Rutherford B. Hayes did, although it is likely he never realized it.
In 1878, Hayes granted a youngster’s request for permission to play egg-rolling games on the White House lawn. That simple act of kindness to a child evolved into the annual White House Egg Roll. The Hayes Presidential Center celebrates this bit of presidential history by hosting its own event on the lawn in front of Hayes’ 31-room home. The Hayes Easter Egg Roll invites children ages 3-10 to compete in egg-rolling contests from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012.
Admission to the Hayes Easter Egg Roll is three hard-boiled colored eggs thanks to funding from Title Sponsor KeyBank-Nellie F. Bash for Charities. Children interested in competing in the Egg Decorating Contest should bring a fourth, decorated egg. Additional funding for the Hayes Easter Egg Roll is provided by Walmart of Fremont.
The Hayes Easter Egg Roll was begun in 1986. Each year, more than 300 children and adults converge at Hayes’ Fremont home for this holiday event. The event is free and open to all. In addition to the rolling contests, participants can enjoy face painting, story telling, and corn-hole contests. The Easter Bunny also will be on hand.