*Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 *

**Remarks at a Halloween Party for Local Schoolchildren and Children of United States Servicemembers **

*October 31, 2016 *

*The President.* Happy Halloween, everybody!

*Audience members*. Happy Halloween!

*The President*. Trick or treat.

*Audience members*. Trick or treat.

*The President*. The—well, it is great to see all of you guys. Your costumes are outstanding. Young man, no selfies in the middle of me talking. [*Laughter*] The—and, Darth Vader, back up a little bit. I'm getting spooked. [*Laughter*]

The—so we just want to say to all the families, all the kids, it is great to see you guys. We hope you have a great time today. You guys all look scary or cool or whatever you're trying to be. [*Laughter*] Awesome. Many of you look awesome. And we hope you have a great time. We hope, parents, that on this day, at least, you don't have to pay attention to Michelle and healthy eating. [*Laughter*]

*The First Lady.* Candy for everybody.

*Audience members*. Yay!

*The President.* And in fact, the more candy, the later you eat the candy, the better. [*Laughter*] Because I think that you being up all night with a sugar rush is exactly what your parents are looking for. [*Laughter*]

All right? So we hope you guys have a great time. And to the staff who are here, thank you, guys. I'm glad you guys took a little break from all the outstanding work.

And now, my understanding is, is that we've been working on a little dance. We don't know how it's going to go, but we think we should all just try it anyway. What do you think?

*Audience members.* Yes!

*The President.* Yes, don't you think?

*The First Lady*. I want to see what you guys have done.

*The President*. All right. So who's got the music? Let's cue it up. Everybody, get ready.

[*At this point, the children danced to Michael Jackson's* *"Thriller" as the President and Mrs. Obama watched from the stage.*]

NOTE: The President spoke at 4:36 p.m. in the East Room at the White House..

*Categories:* Addresses and Remarks : Halloween party for local schoolchildren and children of U.S. servicemembers*.*

*Locations: *Washington, DC.

*Names:* Obama, Michelle*.*

*Subjects:* Armed Forces, U.S. : Military families; Holidays and special observances : Halloween. *DCPD Number:* DCPD201600731.