Rain clouds auspiciously parted, A-list guests including the Easter Bunny and Beyonce were on hand and first dogs Sunny and Bo obliged for selfies as US President Barack Obama celebrated his final Easter egg roll at the White House.
Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hosted 35,000 guests on the South Lawn for the 138th annual event, which Obama said was one of his favourite fixtures on the calendar.
"You guys brought the sun out, so we appreciate that so much," Obama joked to attendees as showers were replaced by sun.
Standing on the White House balcony, the president and first lady welcomed the crowd before heading down to the lawn for games, reading, and sports.
"This is always one of our favourite events of the year. It's so much fun," he said, thanking volunteers and the Marine band.
This year's guest list included singer Idina Menzel, who performed the national anthem and tweeted that the White House was "by far the best vocalising spot". The singer was also smitten with Sunny and Bo.
Pop superstar Beyonce, her husband Jay-Z and 4-year-old daughter Blue Ivy also made an appearance.
Retired National Basketball Association player Shaquille O'Neal was also there joining in on the fun.
After greeting families and snapping some pictures at the mainstage egg roll, the Obamas headed over to the "Story Time" stage, where the president performed a dramatic reading of bedtime favourite "Where the Wild Things Are," complete with growling, clawing, and a break into the "wild rumpus".
Afterwards, Obama headed down to the courts to watch Junior NBA attendees shoot hoops and to play doubles tennis with other guests.
Obama leaves office next year after two terms as president.
His successor will be elected on November 8.
Reuters
