roobet The Bidens hosted their final Halloween trick-or-treat event

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, wearing a panda suit, right, host local area students, military-connected children, and neighborhood families for trick-or-treating, ahead of Halloween on Thursday, at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, who dressed as a giant panda, hosted trick-or-treaters on the White House South Lawn on Wednesday for the last time.

The first lady had participated in the National Zoo’s announcement earlier this year that pandas would be returning to Washington. They arrived in the nation’s capital in mid-October and Jill Biden donned the panda suit Wednesday as a “welcoming gesture,” the White House said.

Jill Biden added an educational theme to the event and named it “Hallo-Read” to help encourage reading. She has been a teacher for 40 years. Earlier Wednesday, she read a short story about spooky pumpkins to a group of costumed children gathered on the lawn.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

First lady Jill Biden participates in a “Hallo-READ” story-time session by reading the book “10 Spooky Pumpkins” by Gris Grimly to children on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

She and the president later ventured outside at sunset and spent about an hour handing out treats. Biden, in a suit and tie, dropped boxes of White House Hershey’s Kisses chocolates in the kids’ tote bags while the first lady handed out copies of “10 Spooky Pumpkins.”

Up to 8,000 people, including students and children tied to the military, were expected to pass through the White House gates during the day.

A large orange moon and a sign that said “Hallow-Read at the White House” decorated the south face of the executive mansion. The decorations also included cardboard representations of Willow, the family cat who is rarely seen in public, and stacks of books. Giant pumpkin decorations flanked the door.

ADVERTISEMENT

Biden dropped his bid for reelection in July. He leaves office in January.

Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING roobet

MORE STORIES Two Fil-Ams face off in race for South San Francisco City Council Safety tips for end of daylight saving time Fil-Am hopes to bring change to American Canyon City Council Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> Don't miss out on the latest news and information. View comments TAGS: Halloween, President Biden, Trending For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.