President Obama Swaps Politics For Pumpkins

Friday 1 November 2013 03:07, UK

Obama and first lady give Halloween treats to visiting children at the White House in Washington
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Barack Obama and wife Michelle have celebrated Halloween with children and parents at a spooky event at the White House in Washington DC.

Obama and first lady give Halloween treats to visiting children at the White House in Washington

The President and First Lady mingled with stilt-walkers, jugglers and White House staff dressed as vampires and princesses as they gave out Halloween treats to children on the South Lawn as a brass band set the mood playing creepy Halloween tunes.

Obama and first lady give Halloween treats to visiting children at the White House in Washington

The celebrations marked the return of the annual tradition that was scrapped last year after Superstorm Sandy slammed into the East Coast.

The White House glows orange with special lighting to celebrate Halloween in Washington

For the event the White House was lit in orange and adorned with giant spiders and webs as the President emerged in the evening to hand out jelly beans and dried fruit.

Obama and first lady give Halloween treats to visiting children at the White House in Washington

In front of the East Wing garden, 14 carved pumpkins spelled out the words 'HAPPY HALLOWEEN' while other costumes present included Zebras, Snow White, Scooby-Doo, Indiana Jones, and the Wicked Witch and Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. 

Obama gives a high five as he and first lady give Halloween treats to visiting children at the White House in Washington

The Obama's helped some 5,000 parents and children get into the spooky spirit, according to White House staffers.