Next, I’d like to thank the 19 koi exhibitors who made the effort to bring their fish to the show. It takes knowledge and dedication to move their personal fish to the show and back home with little stress to the entrants (and, I’m hopeful, to the owners). I experienced many “fancy carp” and really took notice of a Botan koi owned by Scotty Yee; awarding it The President Trophy. A fine contoured/ solid gold massive fish it is.
Congrats to Jefferey Duncan who took home the Grand Champion AND the Reserve Grand Champion trophies, along with many more. Scotty Yee secured the Grand Champion “B” trophy and other awards; with Walter Hackett taking the Reserve Grand Champion “B” prize . The competition for the trophies was deep. I witnessed many fish that were worthy of praise and comments. Many of the fish entered were beautiful koi specimens. I heard the comment of “Look at that fish!”, which rang out throughout Bing Crosby Hall as the general public walked around. I believe they really enjoyed themselves. Especially the kids who colored a koi drawing; along with pictures with Kelly Koi (turns out Kevin Koi had swum upstream).
Next I would like to again thank the Koi Judges who did such a great job going through the 132 entries and selecting the best of the best at the show. They took on the task with professionalism and patience; especially with the many conversations that usually spring up between the koi kichi entrants and them.
Finally, to the volunteers who stepped forward and assisted in getting the job done. Without you guys, it could not happen. From set-up to tear-down; it’s a whirlwind and over in a flash; but you did it. Thanks!
Club’s Koi Person of the Year
My selection for the club’s koi person of the year this time around is close to my heart and a BIG driving force behind the recent success of the show. This person has stepped up and taken on many responsibilities to help the viability of the club. Since taking an interest in koi this person has made a great effort to take on tasks, projects, and trouble-shooting issues with a smile (mostly) and enthusiasm. They are always thinking up ideas to better the club and thinking about the club’s future goals; always citing the club’s mission statement. They are very passionate about making sure that KCSD succeeds.
And so for all of this, and much more, I select, as the club’s koi person of the year and 2022 Novice Champion, Jill Rhoades, my wife.
The Dog Goi
It’s an everyday occurrence at the house. I head out to the pond to visit my fish and my 12-year-old lab comes along. Not because he is really keen on seeing the fish, like me, (he usually gives them a nonchalant glance in passing). He’s there for only one reason _ Koi food. The routine is a handful of food flies towards the koi masses in the pond, he looks up with those sad puppy eyes, and I capitalize on his silent demands and give him a handful in a bowl handy. Yeah, I know, the sucker I am.
Speaking of that dog goi; a funny thing occurred a few months back. If he has a fault, it is that he's a runner. Leave a door ajar, in a flash he’s out it (the movie title Free Willy always pops into my mind when this happens). So, he got out and I tracked him down; with his leash and a coaxing treat in hand. Gotten back to the house and left the leash on. I attached the leash to a small piece of rope and tied him to a patio chair leg. I sat down to unwind from the recent track-down adventure and chilled with my koi. I figured after 10 minutes he had enough punishment, and I untied the rope from the chair leg.
Fifteen minutes go by, I’m reading the paper, and I get this feeling that something is amiss. I look up to see this happening. My dog goi has gotten up on the raised low wall that is the edge of the pond. He is walking down the backside edge, he’s trailing his leash, which is attached to the rope, the rope is in the water, my koi are following this rope, single file, down the back edge of my pond. This dog goi is trolling my koi.
Of course, my phone camera is nowhere nearby. By the time I got back, it’s over. Ah memories….
