ORLANDO, Fla. – City leaders held the “Swantennial” to commemorate 100 years of swan boats at Lake Eola Park, one of Orlando’s most recognizable and beloved symbols.
To honor this milestone, the city unveiled a special gold-wrapped swan boat, created in partnership with Wraps For Less.
The gold swan boat will serve as the golden centerpiece of the Swantennial celebration.
The city paid tribute to the long-standing history and community connection that the swan boats have fostered for a century. Since their first launch in 1925, the swan boats have been a fixture of Lake Eola Park.
What began with two bicycle-powered boats carrying children for 10 cents and adults for 15 cents has evolved into a cherished Orlando tradition enjoyed by generations of residents and visitors alike.
On Oct. 3, 1925, Mrs. Bowers of Maitland first requested permission to add a swan boat dock on Lake Eola’s shores. Two months later, on Dec. 1, 1925, the first two swan boats were launched, each carrying up to two dozen passengers around the lake.
“They give families and adults and visitors, and children special moments, and what a wonderful time of year this is. I want to encourage everybody to come down and ride the swan boats,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Residents and visitors can officially take a ride in the golden swan boat starting next week.