Families who began arriving shortly after sunrise for the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll were greeted by a brilliant but chilly morning.

More than 30,000 people from 45 states and the District will attend the event, according to the White House. This year's theme "Let's go play," encourages U.S. youth to lead healthy and active lives.

First lady Michelle Obama began the official events at about 10:30 a.m.

"Our goal today is to have fun," said Mrs. Obama who was flanked by her husband, President Obama, and their young daughters, Sasha and Malia.

Her lighted-hearted remarks, from a White House balcony, followed those of President Obama and a white-gloved Fergie singing the Star-Spangled Banner.

"I'm not really in charge today," Mr. Obama said. "My sole job...in addition to thanking my buddy the Easter Bunny is to introduce first lady Michelle Obama."

Fergie and Ziggy Marley are scheduled to give musical performances later today.

The White House this year attempted to make the event more open and accessible by offering tickets online, instead of having people stand in line for tickets, in advance, outside of the White House.

Families from as far away as Hawaii, Alaska, California will attend this year, according to the White House.

The temperature at about 8 a.m. was 36 degrees, forcing parents to cover their children's Sunday best in winter coats and wool caps. Temperatures were expected to reach 50 degrees before the event ends in the late afternoon, but rain is expected after midday.

Many of the activities, on the White House's South Lawn, will be broadcast live on the White House Web site: www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll

In addition to the performances on the music stage, the White House will broadcast such events as "Celebrity Chefs in the Kid's Kitchen" and readings on the Storytime Stage. Celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn is scheduled to participate.

The White House says this year's souvenir Easter egg is the "greenest" egg in history.

The 2009 egg is made in the United States from Forest Stewardship Council certified hardwood. The certification means the wood comes from environmentally and socially sustainable forests, the White House said. The egg can be purchased at www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll.
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