President Biden and First Lady Host Halloween at the White House
The White House was transformed into a Halloween wonderland, with the gray skies and drizzle only adding to the eerie ambiance of the holiday eve. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden donned their Halloween spirits and hosted a magical “Hallo-READ!” event, where books were the main treat of the day.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the event was a joyful affair. First Lady Jill Biden, in her playful Halloween spirit, sported feline ears, a tail, and a black nose, mimicking the enchanting cat, Willow. She warmly encouraged the costumed children in attendance to have a blast and immerse themselves in the world of books.
To the delight of a group of mesmerized children, she read “Ten Spooky Pumpkins,” a delightful counting book. The event was not short of enchanting storytellers, with notable figures from the White House, including White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, and several accomplished authors, taking the stage.
Jean-Pierre, embracing the Halloween theme, appeared with a halo and angel wings, humorously explaining her choice to go angelic over a devilish costume. The presidential couple dedicated around 90 minutes to welcoming children from local public schools and military families who had received special invitations for this occasion.
As the costumed kids made their way up the White House driveway, President Biden and the First Lady generously distributed M&M's and Hershey's Kisses, each stamped with the presidential seal, into their bags and buckets. Mrs. Biden, a lifelong educator, also had something extra special in store for the young guests – books.
Jill Biden wasn't just a gracious host; she was the creative genius behind the “Hallo-READ!” theme. The event's decorations drew inspiration from beloved literary characters, and spooky tales, and even had a dedicated time for sharing ghost stories. A military band contributed to the festive atmosphere, playing instrumental versions of Halloween classics like “Thriller” and “Monster Mash.”
Numerous federal government departments and agencies enthusiastically joined in, setting up booths on the White House's south grounds. These booths were laden with an array of chocolate delights and sweet treats, generously provided by the National Confectioners Association and its affiliated member companies. In addition to these sweet indulgences, Scholastic made a heartwarming contribution by providing the books that made “Hallo-READ!” truly magical.
The “Hallo-READ!” event was a grand success, with an estimated 8,000 guests in attendance. It was a spellbinding celebration of Halloween and the joy of reading, where the White House became a place of enchantment and wonder for children and adults alike.
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