More pumpkins, less politics as Obama, first lady greet Halloween trick-or-treaters

WASHINGTON – Finally, the White House has pulled off a successful web launch.

Ghastly spider webs, haystacks and pumpkins adorned an orange-hued White House for the annual White House Halloween event.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are handing out treats to local students and children of military parents on the South Lawn of the White House. Trick-or-treaters will head home with jelly beans, a White House Sweet Dough Butter Cookie and dried fruit in their goodie bags.

Fog billowed across the lawn, where stilt-walkers and jugglers greeted kids as a brass band played eerie Halloween music. Glinda the Good Witch waved her magic wand from inside her giant, transparent bubble.

The White House says more than 5,000 people are taking part in this year’s event.