From: Sarah Ruth/CNN
In: Washington
Posted: 3-28-97

Subject: Preparations underway for Monday's White House Easter Egg Roll

Preparations are underway today at the White House for the 1997 White House Egg Hunt and Roll scheduled for Monday, March 31. An estimated 27,000 people are expected to attend the annual event hosted by the president and first lady.

White House Chef Walter Chib III and his team of five began the process of boiling and dying 9,720 eggs this morning and expect to finish this afternoon. All 810 dozen will be dyed seven different shades for the big event.

Assistant Chef John Moeler says that even the ones that crack during the boiling process and are not used for the roll "do not go to waste." Those will be made into egg salad for the residence.

The event dates back to 1809 and was moved to the White House from the Capitol in 1878. It is one of the only White House events open to the public. While most of the activity is on the South Lawn, the Clintons were the first couple to extend the event to the Ellipse.

This year's theme is "Learning Means the World to Me" and will include appearances by Jane Seymour and Elizabeth Campbell along with the Clintons. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater will also participate and Attorney General Janet Reno will read "Queen Janet from the Bunny Planet."