First lady Melania Trump announced on Friday plans for one of the most anticipated fall traditions in Washington: Halloween at the White House.
Next Thursday, the president and first lady will once again open the South Lawn of the White House to hundreds of trick-or-treaters.
From 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the White House will welcome military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families and administration officials with their families. The president and first lady are expected to greet guests and hand out candy during part of the evening.
This year’s celebration promises a lineup of interactive displays and activities hosted by government departments across Washington:
- The U.S. Postal Service will have toy mail trucks and host a “BE BEST” postcard station.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will have a pumpkin photo opportunity and will be giving out mini pumpkins grown by American farmers.
- The National Confectioners Association will have plenty of sweet treats to share.
- Other departments will offer fresh apples, festive activities and surprise assortments of treats and other activities.
The U.S. Secret Service notes that some personal items will be prohibited for security reasons. If inclement weather impacts the event, it will not be rescheduled.
History of Halloween at the White House
The White House Halloween tradition dates back to 1958, when first lady Mamie Eisenhower first decorated the residence with pumpkins, skeletons and cobwebs, per the White House Historical Association.
It wasn’t until the Kennedy administration, with children in the White House, that trick-or-treating became part of the celebration.
Since then, generations of first families — from the Carters and Clintons to the Obamas — have embraced the Halloween spirit at the White House. The Trumps carried on the beloved tradition during their first term and are bringing it back once again in their second.