Ghosts and Goblins at the White House

Vija Udenans reports:

The Halloween celebration at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue could not be missed on Saturday evening. The best house on the block was giving out treats!

A gigantic, stuffed, black, furry spider, larger than a car, hung under the White House north portico with legs dangling over a silky white cobweb.

The soft orange glow on the front of the White House and the pumpkins everywhere — especially the three large ones, weighing over 1,000 pounds — confirmed that the First Family was hosting the children’s holiday. 

The First Family opened the People’s House to local youngsters, ages 6-14, from the local schools in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. to enjoy the festivities. 

The gates to the White House north lawn were wide open as the invited trick-or-treaters walked, danced, giggled, frolicked and posed on the driveway to the north portico. 

Costumed White House staff greeted the children along the driveway. The youngest had to be cajoled to walk near the spider; the older kids were taking in the sights and sounds.

At the front door, the president, first lady and her mother, Mrs. Robinson, greeted the parents and gave out treats to the youngsters.

The president was not in costume, but the first lady wore a spotted leopard sweater, matching spotted  headband and black slacks.

A  skeleton brass band set the tone with jazz tunes, and butterfly girls floated by in balloons.  There were "Star Wars" characters, zombies and walking trees and shrubs on stilts mixing among the guests.   Bubble makers added to the entertainment for the kids on the front lawn of the White House.

At last count, 2,600 guests had walked up the driveway to the front door of the White House for a Halloween treat.

Each young Halloween guest left with a goody bag filled with a Ranger Activity book, a box of White House M&Ms, a White House specially baked sweet dough cookie and a serving of dried fruit. The treats were provided by the National Park Foundation.

Inside the White House, the president greeted White House staff, military families and their children as he welcomed them to the Halloween party.

“To all military families. It's tough, being separated," he said. "We are so grateful to you. We are grateful to the White House staff.  We are happy to have you all here.”

 He noted the various costumes; his U.N. ambassador, Susan Rice, dressed as a Disney figure; and his wife, Michelle, as the “very nice looking Cat Woman.”  Robert Gibbs, his press secretary, hovered nearby as Darth Vader.

– Vija Udenans