Easter at The White House

Happy Easter 2012
There are many people that put this event on, the production company ,Ceil Glombacki of the Egg Council and The Floral Team, headed by Ardith and Sherry. This year Sherry’s husband Tim was a huge help as always, Andrea Shuck, my niece, Debi Deimling, Linda Grummel, Anne Decker, Anne Z,Libby Cupp, Trish Pike, and Rebecca. Thank you all for volunteering your time, talent and patience. We do what must be done to design the flowers for this annual fun event. There are times when the president is “ on the move” that we “play possum” which means stay in one area , everyone on the lawn, helpers, performers, everyone stop what they are doing, go to one place and wait until they ask us to go back to our tasks. It is always interesting and a great time to meet other helpers, acts and staff.
I arrived Friday morning to tent full of fresh beautiful flowers on the South Lawn of The White House. Eufloria from California sent the most luscious roses, the colors were stunning, bright, the blossoms were in perfect shape. They not only grow these lovely roses, they know how to pack and ship them so they arrive in premier condition for designing. California Cut Flowers sent oh so beautiful assortment of tall strong larkspur and full Queen Ann’s lace, full bright colored heather, artichoke and pincushion protea to be envied. Thank you for the beautiful assortment of fresh flowers to create arrangements for the annual White House Easter Egg Hunt and Play Day.
The flowers are the best; we needed the best product to create in. Western Pulp in Oregon again this year donated ReCreation containers of all sizes for the many creations. Of course Smithers Oasis was used for the foam. Smithers has been a consistent support for the White House Egg Hunt. With Smithers
foam and Western pulp containers it is a sure win. We use the Smithers Oasis small and large casket saddles for many of the stage designs as they hold water, have a nice secure hold and will not be blown away, which is so so important !!!! Believe me.
With the flowers we made 20 plus large arrangements for The First Lady and President’s Reading stage where they read stories to the children. There were designs on the cooking stage, Play With Food, The Hop To It stage, Two huge amazing designs for the main stage, two for the Egg Roll area, several for photo opportunities throughout the lawn. 20 designs were made in Western Pulp Recreation containers and Smithers Oasis foam for the VIP tent, the performers tent and the changing tent areas.
To enter the White House South Lawn one must be cleared to enter the street gate, when cleared the officer allows entrance, you set your purse on the ground , walk away from it, stand to the side, the dog will look at, into and around the bag. I was a bit anxious at one time as there was chocolate in my bag. He had his nose in there for longer than was comfortable for me, I mentioned that there were chocolates in there, the officer just smiled and kept on checking. Then to the lawn gate where your ID is handed in again, checked again, then allowed in. The same routine in gone through there. It makes me feel safe and that our president is safe. There are well trained officers and staff throughout the grounds, friendly in a very business manor. Amazing.