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1563342
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White House Visitors
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1
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id
1563342
contentType
document
title
White House Visitors
description
This file contains material relating to plans for handling.
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's Bicentennial Subject Files
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American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
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1563342
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1976-03-01
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3
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1976
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1975-07-01
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7
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box 72, folder "White House Visitors" of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Digitized from Box 72 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library THE WHITE HOUSE JUL 12 1975 WASHINGTON July 7, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: RON NESSEN ATTENTION: LARRY SPEAKES FROM: MIKE FARRELL my SUBJECT: White House Visiting Hours during the Bicentennial At the request of the President and Mrs. Ford the White House visiting hours during 1976 will be expanded in accordance with the schedule outlined below to accommodate the increased number of visitors expected in our Nation's Capital during the Bicentennial. 1. Saturdays The visiting hours on Saturday will be extended until 2:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, March 27, 1976 through Saturday, October 2, 1976. (Presently the White House is open until 2:00 p. m. on Saturdays during June, July and August). 2. Tuesdays through Fridays Beginning March 30, 1976 through October 1, 1976, the White House will stay open beyond 12 noon Tuesday through Friday whenever the official schedule in the afternoon permits. A visitors waiting area is being established by the, National Park Service during that time on the Ellipse. This will allow visitors to be more comfortably accommodated while they wait to tour the White House. The closing time each day will be posted at the White House gates and at the visitors waiting area on the Ellipse. We expect that our closing time on most days will be 1:00/1:30 p. m. (Special Note: These hours should take care of everyone who wishes to see the White House as the present practice of admitting everyone in line by closing time will be continued, thereby avoiding closing the gate to anyone who has been waiting). Continued. MEMORANDUM Page Two July 7, 1975 3. Garden Tours Mrs. Ford will sponsor an increased number of garden tours to make the grounds more generally available. The White House gardens and grounds will be open to the public one weekend each month (Saturday and Sunday afternoon), beginning with April and continuing through October. Specific dates and times will be announced later. Thank you. CC: f.y.i. Jim Connor Max Friedersdorf Ted Marrs Jack Marsh Sheila Weidenfeld Pefile THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON m October 21, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: JACK MARSH FROM: RUSS ROURKE R Jack, Mike Farrell tells me that, in a recent memo to him, you noted that the President had made inquiry concerning the possibility of live entertainment for the White House visitors during their waiting period in the bleachers. Mike called to advise me that, under the direction of the National Park Service, all kinds of live entertainment has been lined up. The entertainment consists of every imaginable type of marching band, college choir, youth groups, etc. In addition, they have gotten commitments from the respective concert bands of the various military services, to perform four times a week during the height of the tourist season. Every effort has been made to secure high quality participants in this entertainment. You will recall that, during our recent "in house" Bicentennial Task Force meeting, someone commented on the "hard rock" music. Mike reports that only minimal representation will be afforded such "hard rock" groups. It must be borne in mind that this is a very low budget operation, and is mostly done on an "all volunteer" basis. Despite this fact, Mike anticpates a high caliber of entertainment through-out the season. It is anticipated that, during the trial period, nonstop live enter- tainment can be provided from 9:30 to 12:00 each morning. Mike commended the National Park Service for the outstanding job it was doing on this project. Bucen. October 18, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: MIKE FARRELL FROM: JACK MARSH In a meeting this week with the President, he commented in a most favorable way on the bleachers program for White House visitors. He was quite complimentary, and has been following this with con- siderable interest. In commenting on the program, he raised the question as to whether or not there might be arranged some type of program in the form of entertainment, which would be both interesting and educational. This came up in the context of conversation about the Bicentennial, and, therefore, I am sending n copy of this to Ted Marrs. I am sure that attention is being given to this, but I did want you to know of the President's interest, and particularly his suggestion to see If & program could be developed for these visitors. In this regard la it possible to have some type of film presentation or other visual display which would be suitable. I realize that the outdoor environment presents 8. film problem. Although I am sure there are many problems, nevertheless is it worth considering some type of live performance, particularly during the warm season. Perhaps we can discuss this, and I particularly would like to hear from you about any plans the National Capital Parks might have on this subject. 001 TMarrs JOM:CB FORD i LIBRA DERALD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 3, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL WHITE HOUSE/OEOB STAFF FROM: MIKE FARRELL White House Visitors MA Waiting Area, Ellipse SUBJECT: Trial Program October 7, 1975 - November 1, 1975 To better accommodate visitors to the White House during our Bicentennial, a Visitors Waiting Area is being established on the Ellipse in cooperation with the National Park Service. To determine the best approach for next spring and summer, there will be a trial period October 7 through November 1 of this year. Note: The visit- ing hours during this trial program will remain the same, 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon, Tuesday through Saturday. There will be no change in procedures for the early morning special tour. However, whenever we are unable to accommodate your guests on the special tour, we hope you will end ourage them to take advantage of this tour which is not by reservation. The following information should be helpful to visitors during the trial program: 1. Kindly direct visitors to the Ellipse, south of the White House, not to the East Gate. 2. Ticket booths will open at 8:00 a.m. each day, Tuesday through Saturday, and will remain open until 12 noon. Visitors may obtain tickets the morning of the tour only. 3. Each visitor will be issued a ticket specifying the time of the tour. Visitors may then leave the park, visit other attractions, and return at the indicated time. They may also choose to view the entertainment program (9:30 a.m. to 12 noon). Bleachers will be available. Becen October 28, 1975 L MEMORANDUM TO: MIKE FARRELL FROM: JACK MAR SH Mike, many thanks for your memo and your further amplification on Russ Rourke's verbal report regarding the outstanding job that is being done to provide live enterteinment for our White House visitors, during their waiting period. I have just one further comment, Mike. In my conversation with the President, he specifically suggested that, If possible, portions of the entertainment have & "Bicentennial flaver". I recognize fully the practical difficulties that such & request might present. If, however, a "Bicentennial flavor" can be worked into the programs from time to time, it would be extremely helpful. Once again, congratulations on a job well done. JOM:cb GERALD FORD CIGRAET THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON R- 1, Show FORD is GERALD LIBRARY 2. Rask Mike have it can if Cart. pitch. B. TI made in that but M THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 21, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: JACK MARSH FROM: RUSS ROURKE R Jack, Mike Farrell tells me that, in a recent memo to him, you noted that the President had made inquiry concerning the possibility of live entertainment for the White House visitors during their waiting period in the bleachers. Mike called to advise me that, under the direction of the National Park Service, all kinds of live entertainment has been lined up. The entertainment consists of every imaginable type of marching band, college choir, youth groups, etc. In addition, they have gotten commitments from the respective concert bands of the various military services, to perform four times a week during the height of the tourist season. Every effort has been made to secure high quality participants in this entertainment. You will recall that, during our recent "in house" Bicentennial Task Force meeting, someone commented on the "hard rock" music. Mike reports that only minimal representation will be afforded such "hard rock" groups. It must be borne in mind that this is a very low budget operation, and is mostly done on an "all volunteer" basis. Despite this fact, Mike anticpates a high caliber of entertainment through-out the season. It is anticipated that, during the trial period, nonstop live enter- tainment can be provided from 9:30 to 12:00 each morning. Mike commended the National Park Service for the outstanding job it was doing on this project. Bucen. October 18, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: MIKE FABRELL FROM: JACK MARSH In a meeting this week with the President, be commented in a most favorable way on the bleachers program for White Heuse visitors. He was quita complimentary, and has been following this with con- siderable interest. In commenting on the program, be raised the question as to whether OZ not there might be arranged some type of program in the form of entertainment, which would be both interesting and educational. This came up in the context & senversation about the Bicentennial, and, therefore, I am sending a copy of this to Ted Marrs. I am sure that attention is being given to this, but I did want you to know of the President's interest, and particularly his suggestion to 300 if a program could be developed for these visitors.Ia_this regard is it possible to have some type of film presentation 02 other visual display which would be suitable. I realize that the outdoor environment presents a film problem. Although I am sure there are many problems, nevertheless is it worth considering some type of live performance, particularly during the warms season. Perhaps we can discuss this, and I particularly would like to hear from you about any plans the National Capital Parks might have on this subject. ee: TMarrs JOM:CB THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 3, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL WHITE HOUSE/OEOB STAFF FROM: MIKE FARRELL White House Visitors MA Waiting Area, Ellipse SUBJECT: Trial Program October 7, 1975 - November 1, 1975 To better accommodate visitors to the White House during our Bicentennial, a Visitors Waiting Area is being established on the Ellipse in cooperation with the National Park Service. To determine the best approach for next spring and summer, there will be a trial period October 7 through November 1 of this year. Note: The visit- ing hours during this trial program will remain the same, 10:00 a. m. until 12 noon, Tuesday through Saturday. There will be no change in procedures for the early morning special tour. However, whenever we are unable to accommodate your guests on the special tour, we hope you will en ourage them to take advantage of this tour which is not by reservation. The following information should be helpful to visitors during the trial program: 1. Kindly direct visitors to the Ellipse, south of the White House, not to the East Gate. 2. Ticket booths will open at 8:00 a.m. each day, Tuesday through Saturday, and will remain open until 12 noon. Visitors may obtain tickets the morning of the tour only. 3. Each visitor will be issued a ticket specifying the time of the tour. Visitors may then leave the park, visit other attractions, and return at the indicated time. They may also choose to view the entertainment program (9:30 a. m. to 12 noon). Bleachers will be available. Becentennial November 5, 1975 crossed Famell MEMORANDUM FOR: MIKE FARRELL FROM: JACK MARSH SUBJECT: Visitors Waiting Area, Ellipse I showed the President your memorandum of October 21 in reference to the Visitors Waiting Area. He was mest pleased and very complimentary of your efforts. JOM/dl FORD REGALD Please 1 OCT 23 1975 sear THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 21, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: JACK MARSH FROM: MIKE FARRELL my SUBJECT: Visitors Waiting Area, Ellipse Thank you very much for making me aware of the President's favorable comments on the Visitors Waiting Area program. The plan presently is to have live entertainment beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day and continuing throughout the tour hours next spring and summer. Attached is a copy of the groups that have been scheduled to perform during the October trial program. As you can see, the majority of the groups are from this area since fall is not the time when high school and college units travel here from across the country. I met with the National Park Service today to evaluate the performances we have had to date. Considering the large open area, the most successful performances have generally been ones given by large performing units such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Band, high school or college bands, etc. Quartets and other small units do not appear to have sufficient impact. It appears there will be no problem having a full schedule of live entertain- ment for next year. The National Park Service presently has a commitment for next year from the Armed Services for four hours of performances each week from their top units such as the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the various concert bands. In addition, the Park Service will defer making final commitments for dates next year until a substantial number of requests has been received so that the best can be selected. They will schedule groups from all parts of the country next year and will also select entertain- ment with the broadest appeal. I have checked into the availability of one film presentation which has been used by the Travel Service in cooperation with Disney Productions. The GERALD ? FORD - 2 - theater is an inflatable one which seats about 700. Unfortunately, that capacity is not nearly sufficient to accommodate the numbers we expect each day next year. I will talk with the Park Service to determine if there is any other film presentation which might be utilized outside and will let you know. Since one aspect of this system for next year is to permit people to leave the Ellipse area and return at the appointed time for the tour, perhaps a good film presentation could be utilized in the Visitors Center at the Department of Commerce. Milt Mitler has given me a report on the plans for that. Since Commerce is conveniently located for visitors on the Ellipse, we will plan to encourage people to take advantage of it. If you have the opportunity, you might also wish to assure the President that the bleachers will be covered next year to provide protection against the sun and inclement weather. I will make sure to keep you informed on this, particularly if any problems should develop. Thank you. Attachment cc: Jim Connor Ted Marrs WHITE HOUSE VISITORS WAITING AREA Trail Period - Tuesdays through Saturdays, October 7 through Nov. 1, 1975 Schedule of performing groups as of October 1, 1975 Tuesday, October 7 9:30 - 10:30 The Hayfield Chorale 11-12 The Gospel Heralds Mr. Falle Nelson Mr. Ray Dement Hayfield Secondary School Herald Fabrication, Inc. 7630 Telegraph Road 166 W. Bowie Ave. Alexandria, Va. 22310 Rockville, Md. 20852 Tel: 971-8920 (S) Tel: 881-6077 560-3777 (H) Wednesday, October 8 9:30 - 10:30 Friendly Senior High 11-12 Frederick High School Band School Band Mr. John Slezak Mr. Philip Simon Frederick High School 10000 Allen Town Rd. Frederick, Md. 21701 Oxon Hill, Md. 20022 Tel: (301) 662-9200, Ext.284 Tel: 248-5400 Thursday, October 9 11-12 Paul Jr. High Choir 9:30 - 10:30 Maycroft Square Tappers Mr. James E. Hall Mr. Gene Maycroft 8th and Ogelthorpe St. N.W. 947 West Street Washington, D.C. Muskegan, Michigan 49442 Tel: 629-7137 Tel: (616) 773-3782 Friday, October 10 9:30 - 10:30 Poor Richard's Theatre 11-12 Spingarn High School Chorus Mr. Bill Bair Mr. Paul Gatling 4777 N. 23rd Street 24th and Benning Rd. ,N.E. Arlington, Va. 22207 Washington, D.C. Tel: 841-0675 Tel: 629-6144 Saturday, October 11 11-12 Royal Canadian Mounted 9:30 - 10:30 John Hanson Patriots Fife Police Band and Drum Corp. R.C.M.P. Band Mr. John Willet P.O. Box 8900 Nanjemoy, Md. 20662 Ottawa, Canada Tel: (301) 246-4633 1 Tuesday, October 14 9:30 - 10:30 Northwestern High 11-12 Aberdeen Senior High School School Band Band Mr. Michael Ronca Mr. Jack Scott Northwestern High School Aberdeen Senior High School Adelphi Road Aberdeen, Md. 21001 Hyattsville, Md. 20782 Tel: (301) 272-7600 Tel: 779-5400 (S) 277-9885 (H) Wednesday, October 15 9:30 - 10:30 Acheasus Theater Inc. 11-12 Laurel Senior High Mr. Gary Young Symphonic Band Suite 747 Mr. Harvey Beaver 2939 Van Ness 6303 Queen's Chapel Road Washington, D.C. 20008 Hyattsville, Md. 20782 Tel: 927-7373 Thursday, October 16 9:30 - 10:30 Calvin Coolidge Senior High 11-12 Alice Deal 9th Grade Chorus Chorus and Band Mr. Slaughter Mrs. Lois Nicholson Calvin Coolidge Senior High Alice Deal Jr. High School School Ft. Drive & Nebraska Ave., N.W 5th and Tuckerman Street, NW. Washington, D.C. Washington, D. C. 20011 Tel: 629-7054/5/6 Friday, October 17 9:30 - 10:30 McKinley High School Concert 11-12 Dawn Crafton Dancers Chorus Ms. Dawn Crafton Mr. Peter Ford 13203 Vandalia Drive 2nd and T Street, N.W. Rockville, Md. 20853 Washington, D.C. Tel: 933-3160 Saturday, October 18 Barbershop Quartet 10:30-11:30 The Morgan Dancers 9:15 - 9:45 The Marylandaires Mrs. Day Mr. Daryl James 4440 Ord Street, N.E. Tel: 894-9388 Washington, D.C. 20019 Tel: 484-7796 9:45 - 10:15 The Singing Capital Chorus Mr. Joseph Hall Tel: 871-7667 2 Tuesday, October 21 9:30 - 10:30 Perry Hall High School 11-12 Parkdale Senior High School Band and Choir Band Ms. Mildred Reiner Mr. Ed. Kerman 4601 Ebenezar Road Parkdale Senior High School Baltimore, Md. 21236 6001 Good Luck Road Tel: (301) 256-6933 Riverdale, Md. 20840 Tel: 474-4700, Ext. 61 Wednesday, October 22 9:30 - 10:30 Howard High School Band 11-12 Manor High School Choir Mr. Jim Johnston Ms. Harriet C. Heath Howard High School Manor High School 8700 Old Annapolis Road 24 Early Drive Ellicott City, Md. 21043 Portsmouth, Va. 23701 Tel: (301) 465-4747 Tel: (804) 488-4446 Thursday, October 23 9:30 - 10:30 Annapolis Jr. High 10:30 - 11:45 Northwest High School School Band Concert Chorus Ms. Alice Harper Mrs. Helen Bishop Forest Dr. and Spa Rd. Northwest High School Annapolis, Md. 21403 Adelphi Road Tel: (301) 267-8658 Hyattsville, Md. 20782 Tel: 927-7373 Friday, October 24 9:30 - 10:30 St. Timothy School of 11-12 Denbigh High School Band Dance Denbigh High School Ms. Gale Whalen Newport News, Va. 23602 3601 Alabama Ave., S.E, Washington, D.C. 20020 Tel: 582-6318 (H) 582-7740 (S) Saturday, October 25 9:30 - 10:00 Jubra 10:30 - 11:30 Bowie Senior High School Ms. Junie Pollard Mr. Gustin Georgetown Visitation Prep. 15200 Annapolis Road School Bowie, Md. 20215 35th and Volta Street, NW. Tel: 464-8433 Washington, D.C. Tel: 426-6770 3 Tuesday, October 28 9:30 - 10:30 Paul Lawrence Dunbar 11-12 South Senior High School Community high School Concert Chorus Band and Choir Ms. Jane Daugherty Mr. Hugh Carey 503 Montery Avenue 5018 Plymouth Rd. Annapolis, Md. 21401 Baltimore, Md. 21214 Tel: (301) 263-4403 (H) Tel: (212) 396-9624 (301) 867-2600 (S) (212) 426-3319 Wednesday, October 29 9:30 - 10:30 Duval Senior High School 11-12 Menchville High School Band Madrigal Singers Mr. David E. Solomon Mr. Lewis Menchville High School 8150 Lakecrest Drive 306 Dominion Drive Apartment 03 Newport News, Va. 23602 Greenbelt, Md. 20215 Tel: 474-8794 (H) 794-7700 (S) Thursday, October 30 9:30 - 10:30 Hampton High School Choir 11-12 Crossland High School Mr. Sidney R. Swiggett Symphonic Band 226 Prince James Drive Mr. Richard Bergman Hampton, Va. 23669 Crossland High School Tel: (804) 838-0655 Temple Hills and Allentown Rd. Camp Springs, Md. 20028 Tel: 248-8875 Friday, October 31 10:00 - 11:00 McGogney Elementary 11:15-12 Parkdale Senior High School School Choir Choir Ms. Constance Smith Mr. Nonnemacher McGogney Elementary School Parkdale Senior High School 3400 Wheeler Road, S.E. 6001 Goodluck Road Washington, D.C. 20032 Riverdale, Md. 20840 Tel: 629-8541 Tel: 474-4700 Saturday - November 1 Barbershop Quartets 10:45-11:45 Grace Baptist Youth Choir 9:30 - 10:00 The Arlingtones Ms. Jackie Byrd 12308 Stafford La. Mr. Malcom J. Agnew Tel: 538-5688 Lee, Maryland 20715 Tel: 464-0024 10:00 - 10:30 The Knights of Harmony Mr. Richard E. Baldauf Tel: 474-6866 4 crossed famill (backup) January 16, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: MIKE FARRELL FROM: JACK MARSH I am returning the attached Certification of Appreciation to you. : brought this to the President's attention. He was very pleased and would like to be kept abreast on other developments in reference to the Visitors Center. He also indicated he would be glad to drop by the Visitors Center on one or more occasions. Many thanks. JOM/dl GERALD 917 ? FORD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 15, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL WHITE HOUSE/OEOB STAFF FROM: White House Visitors My Waiting Area, Ellipse MIKE FARRELL SUBJECT: March 16, 1976 - October 23, 1976 To better accommodate visitors during our Bicentennial, the Visitors Waiting Area will be established on the Ellipse during the above time. There will be no change in procedures for the early morning special tour. Whenever we are unable to accommodate your guests on the special tour, we hope you will encourage them to take advantage of the later public tour. The following information should be helpful: During the above period visitors should proceed to the Ellipse south of the White House -- not to the East Gate. (a) Visiting hours will be Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m. (most days, schedule permitting), and on Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The White House will be closed on Sunday and Monday. (b) Ticket booths will be open at 8:00 a.m. each day, Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets may be obtained from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Tuesday through Friday, and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Each member of a family or a group must obtain a ticket for the tour. Tickets are available the day of the tour only. (c) Each visitor after being issued a ticket (specifying the time of the tour) may either leave the park to visit other attractions or choose to view the entertainment program (9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. most days) on the Ellipse. Bleachers will be available. Visitors will be escorted from the Ellipse to the White House at the appointed time. Thank you. MAR 1 7 1976 State Mtg. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 15, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL WHITE HOUSE/OEOB STAFF FROM: White House Visitors My Waiting Area, Ellipse MIKE FARRELL SUBJECT: March 16, 1976 - October 23, 1976 To better accommodate visitors during our Bicentennial, the Visitors Waiting Area will be established on the Ellipse during the above time. There will be no change in procedures for the early morning special tour. Whenever we are unable to accommodate your guests on the special tour, we hope you will encourage them to take advantage of the later public tour. The following information should be helpful: During the above period visitors should proceed to the Ellipse south of the White House -- not to the East Gate. (a) Visiting hours will be Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m. (most days, schedule permitting), and on Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The White House will be closed on Sunday and Monday. (b) Ticket booths will be open at 8:00 a.m. each day, Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets may be obtained from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Tuesday through Friday, and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Each member of a family or a group must obtain a ticket for the tour. Tickets are available the day of the tour only. (c) Each visitor after being issued a ticket (specifying the time of the tour) may either leave the park to visit other attractions or choose to view the entertainment program (9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. most days) on the Ellipse. Bleachers will be available. Visitors will be escorted from the Ellipse to the White House at the appointed time. Thank you.