Woodward Park Is New Site for Popular Koi Show

Event organizers say they have found the perfect spot for the 41st Annual Koi Show after more than a decade in Fresno’s Fig Garden Village.
The Central California Koi Society event is Saturday and Sunday at the Woodward Park group activity area next to the Shinzen Friendship Garden. Admission to the show is free.

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“We are proud to partner with the Shinzen Friendship Garden,” said Richele Kleiser, the koi society president. “With their stunning garden and beautiful koi pond, they are an iconic gem for our community, and we could not have found a more perfect location.”
The Shinzen Friendship Garden offers many attractions: waterfalls, a koi pond, the Clark Bonsai Collection, and the often-photographed moon bridge. There will be coloring and origami art stations, and docents for the new exhibit “Four Seasons: An Exhibition of Deciduous Bonsai.”

One of the Oldest Koi Shows in the U.S.

The show is one of the oldest events of its kind in the United States. It brings together local and visiting koi enthusiasts to share their passion and knowledge with the public.
The koi range from 6 inches to 36 inches long and often are of superb quality, Kleiser said. Judges from around the country critique the koi for best quality, variety, and size.
Kleiser described koi as “living art” with a variety of patterns and colors. Like other pets, koi can recognize their owners, she said.
Hundreds of koi — some of them imported from top breeders in Japan — will be for sale from local and state vendors.
The event traditionally attracts about 1,000 people each year. CCKS will make a donation from the event proceeds to the Shinzen Friendship Garden to support its koi pond and koi health.
More information is available at www.cencalkoi.com.