Boston swan boats to launch soon

Spring is in the air and the swan boats will hit the water at the Boston Public Garden Lagoon on April 19.

The Paget family, swan boat owners since 1877, and Mayor Martin Walsh will host the opening of the season with an event during which the boats will be launched.

Special guests to the event will be students from Ellis Mendell Elementary School and Chittick Elementary School. The students have been drawing swan boats in their art classes, and some of their better works will be on display in City Hall for four weeks beginning April 28.

Swan boat season runs until Sept. 21.

Robert Paget, an Irish shipbuilder who immigrated to Boston, founded the family business.