The White House Easter Egg Roll is a beloved tradition for American families, but the “First Lady’s Commemorative Egg” tradition continues after almost fifty years. In 2024, First Lady Jill Biden has been presented with seven special eggs, each reflecting her passion for education and lifelong learning. These eggs, handcrafted by master egg artist Carolyn Bickel, showcase a variety of themes including children’s imaginations and STEAM professions. The artistry involved in creating these eggs is intricate and detailed, with one egg hollowed out to reveal a painted interior symbolizing limitless possibilities achievable through imagination and knowledge.
The tradition of presenting commemorative eggs to the first lady began 47 years ago when America’s egg farmers gave the first egg to Amy Carter, the daughter of President Jimmy Carter. Each year, the eggs are designed to reflect the passions and causes of the first lady. This year’s collection includes two regular-sized eggs featuring imagery of young children, as well as five smaller eggs with images of STEAM professions. The intricate paintings on these eggs symbolize the future possibilities for children and are a testament to the skill of the artist, Carolyn Bickel. The level of artistry in this year’s commemorative eggs has never been seen before, showcasing the dedication of the American Egg Board.
The White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024, will feature 64,000 eggs on the lawn, including the seven commemorative eggs presented to First Lady Jill Biden. These eggs were shipped from Braswell Family Farms in Nashville, North Carolina, where 40,000 eggs were hand-dyed by family members and volunteers. An additional 20,000 eggs will be shipped from Sauder’s farms in Pennsylvania to be used in various egg-based recipes served at the event. More than 100 of America’s egg farmers will be on the lawn to interact with and educate guests on the journey of eggs “from hen to home,” showcasing the importance of agriculture and egg farming in America.
The artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating the commemorative eggs for this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll are unparalleled, with each egg reflecting the theme of education and the possibilities for children’s futures. The intricate designs painted on these eggs by master artist Carolyn Bickel are a testament to her talent and skill. These eggs are not only a tradition but also a celebration of America’s egg farmers and the important role they play in providing high-quality eggs to the country. The White House is expecting a record-breaking 40,000 people to attend the event and enjoy the festivities on the lawn, which will feature a wide variety of activities and educational opportunities for families to enjoy.
