What happens when bees crash the White House Easter Egg Roll

World Today

Photo: Image Still from NBC video

It was the perfect day for the White House Easter Egg Roll. A sunny, 59 degrees greeted the First Family and guests on the White House Lawn, complete with music, games, and storytime with the president. It was all fun and games, in fact, until the Storytime Stage was commandeered by a few Springtime guests: bees. Many, many bees.

President Obama was reading his favorite book, “Where The Wild Things Are,” to the children attending the Easter Egg Roll festivities on Monday. As it turned out, some very different wild things decided to drop by for a listen.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

As the president was reading, bees from the White House hive flew over the children, prompting a chorus of screams. The president tried to hold back his laughter, assuring the kids the bees meant no harm and not to be scared. Still, the screams continued.

“Oh no, it’s a bee!” the president said. “It’s okay, bees are good. It’s not going to land on you.” The children, however, weren’t buying it.

“No, bees, they sting!” shouted one child in the crowd. “And they’re scary!”

As the screams continued, the president changed his tactics, joking, “If you’re a Wild Thing, you can’t be scared of bees!”

Eventually the bees flew away and the reading continued.


Graphic created by Isbella Diaz.

Speaking of bees, did you know…

…the official White House Hive is on the South Lawn? There’s even an official beekeeper.

The hive generates honey, which is used in the White House kitchen. The bees also help pollinate the garden.

This story was compiled with information from the White House Print Pool and NBC news.