While the White House remains closed to public tours due to the sequester, the White House Monday announced that the gardens and grounds will be open this weekend to the public.
“During this event, visitors can see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and South Lawn of the White House,” the White House press release read. “Additionally, the White House Kitchen Garden – the first vegetable garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden – will be accessible to guests.”
In their announcement about the “free and open to the public” event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the White House outlined a series of items that “are not allowed on the White House grounds:”
Aerosols of any kind
Animals (except guide dogs)
Backpacks (oversized)
Balloons
Food or beverages of any kind
Duffle bags/suitcases
Any pointed object
Electric stun guns
Fireworks/firecrackers
Insulated metal containers
Guns/ammunition
Knives of any kind
Mace
Tobacco
Strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas and cameras, they noted however, are permitted.
According to the announcement, the National Park Service will distribute tickets on a first come-first serve basis beginning at 8 a.m. each Saturday and Sunday morning at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion.
First Lady Michelle Obama told reporters that President Barack Obama had quit smoking for “almost a year” in February 2o11.