The Lotus Plants Have Dwindled, But the Fest is Still On

Blogging.la sounded the alarm a few weeks ago: With the Lotus Festival fast approaching, where have all the plants gone?

The Lotus plant count has dwindled in Echo Park, but this weekend's 30th Annual Lotus Festival is still on as planned.

We've taken Evan to the event every year since his birth, and we hope to make a return trip this year. It's a fun way to spend a summer morning or afternoon -- with music, food, booths and a fantastic vibe. For the toddlers, there's also a playground to keep them entertained. There's also a children's area; a Friday night jazz concert; art exhibits and more.

Last year, I noted the late bloom of the Lotuses -- which didn't happen fast enough for the fest.

The annual event celebrates the giant pink flowers that emerge every summer from the lotus bed in the northwest corner of Echo Park. According to the park's history, no one knows who initially planted the lotus -- legend has it that they were planted by missionaries from the nearby Angelus Temple after returning from work in China.

Here's this year's schedule:

Friday, July 13: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.)
Saturday, July 14: 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.)
Sunday, July 15: 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.