WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama and the first lady are welcoming scores of superheroes and princesses, one child dressed as Prince and another as the president himself as part of Monday's Halloween festivities.

Some 4,000 people are expected to visit the White House for Halloween. Students from local schools and children from military families dressed up for the occasion.

The president is handing out Hershey Kisses and first lady Michelle Obama is handing out cookies on the South Drive.

The president has jokingly told some of the youngsters that on Halloween, at least, they don't have to pay attention to the first lady about healthy eating.

Students dressed as zombies were also dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" as the president and first lady looked on.