The White House opened its lawn to thousands of young trick-or-treaters Friday as President Barack Obama celebrated Halloween with local schoolchildren.
The president and first lady Michelle Obama handed out butter cookies, licorice and chocolate candies on the South Lawn.
The guest list included students from local elementary schools and military families, dressed like their favorite superheroes and goblins.
Giant inflatable pumpkins decorated the White House grounds, along with 200 real pumpkins carved by volunteers. Halloween music blared from speakers, while jugglers and acrobats also performed.
Every year, on or about the last day of October, children in the United States and some other countries dress up in their most creative costumes to celebrate Halloween and go door to door collecting candy from neighbors.
