Even though the lotus are dead. Rec and Parks posted the dates on their website -- July 10 and 11 this year at Echo Park Lake. The Lotus Festival Without Lotus, kind of reminiscent of Flannery O'Connor's Church of Christ Without Christ for being ironic without meaning to.

Speaking of the lake, on May 2 one Big Sunday charity event will be taking place at the rec center, just across the street from the south side of Echo Park Lake, in which Yours Truly and family will be serving lemonade from 1 to 4 p.m. under the aegis of the tireless Ellen Lawler, who organized. Proceeds benefit the Harmony Project, (of which Echo Park violinist/photographer Julie Fowells, a friend, was one of the founders).

Thirsty, but don't want to drive, bike, walk, crawl all the way to Echo Park? Click here, for a list of lemonade stands (on both weekend days) that will benefit Big Sunday charities.