Lotus blossoms in bloom in Echo Park

Teams compete in the Dragon Boat Race at Saturday’s festival in Echo Park. Heather Repenning and Sam Siegel of “Team Garcetti,” foreground, won their race against “Team Rec and Parks.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

July 12, 2014 10:11 AM PT

Bees buzz about the blooming lotus blossoms at Echo Park Lake. The 34th Lotus Festival takes place in Echo Park on July 12 and 13.

Rona Ebete prepares to perform with the Phillippine-American Society and Cultural Arts Troupe on Saturday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Angus, Jonathan Knecht’s dog, checks out a performer with Northern Shalim Kung Fu during a Lion Dance at the opening of the 34th Lotus Festival. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Lotus Festival returns to Echo Park Lake

Visitors enjoy the blooming lotuses Saturday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Keira Garza, 2, stands on a bench during Saturday’s Lotus Festival in Echo Park. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Downtown Los Angeles creates a backdrop for the blooming lotuses at Echo Park Lake. Echo Park’s 34th Lotus Festival is being held this weekend. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

It has been a few years since lotus blossoms have bloomed at Echo Park Lake. This weekend, Echo Park is marking its 34th Lotus Festival. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

A bee zooms in on a lotus in Echo Park. The community’s 34th Lotus Festival is being held this weekend. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Alan Cheung, 24, takes a selfie in front of a sea of blooming lotus on Saturday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A close-up shows a bee on a pink lotus blossom in Echo Park. The community’s 34th Lotus Festival is being held this weekend. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

A bee gets busy pollinating at Echo Park Lake. Echo Park’s 34th Lotus Festival is being held this weekend. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Bees hover around a pink lotus blossom in full bloom in Echo Park. The community’s 34th Lotus Festival is being held this weekend. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)