[aquitori]

To me the Mid-West needs something like the "Memphis" show to boost the hobby abit, alot of self proclaimed newbies who haven't shown should show. That show is kinda far for people to travel from the West Coast and plus the health of any koi is the priority. I only do shows in the California because the koi community is big here anyways there is no need to travel outside. This past show we went to we pretty much went in a group to help support Nancy and the cost went down abit.

"Pretigous": something of grand stature...

There is only one show like that in California and that is the ZNA Gardena Show...The show is now goin close to 30 years...Since I have been in the hobby all I heard was the Gardena Show and the level of competition that is there. I for one have yet to go there, but you hear of it like a legend and confirm with those who have and it is true. ZNA Gardena is our "All-Japan" of the West Coast like the MAKC Show is for the East Coast.

All in all koi shows should be fun and should be a learning experience for those who want to further their hobby in Nishikigoi. It's always true that you do this hobby for yourself and only when you take this hobby too serious it no longer becomes fun.

Quote: Originally Posted by junglegeorge12 the smaller sizes are much cheaper to compete in. But the travel expenses to the show are the same. The grand ol opry prices will wilt alot of wallets all by itself. Flying that far to stay in a tent just does not seem sensible. Unless the epher is paying travel expenses. I will need a suite for 3 with 3 round trip airline tickets to SJU (San Juan Int), two adults one child. I want a jacuzzi tub too Epher, don't think I am going to let you off cheap. Just pm me when Epher has the tickets and paid hotel reservations in hand and I will send him my mailing address. If he pays, I promise not to argue with val the whole weekend and to just enjoy myself. I think to determine 'prestige' we need to clarify what we define as a prestigous show. People's definitions may vary. What makes a prestigious show to you aquitori? My wife and I have been involved in large music and church type events for decades. Alot of what folks think is 'presitgious' stuff is just in the eye of the beholder. Some of the most 'prestigious' names and groups are really people with no honor or sense of real virtue and class. They operate like selfish, arrogant, manipulative little devils. Other have real class, and it shows in how they treat the small guys and those who have had rough pasts. So for me, prestige has to be way more than just turning out a large crowd. Anyone with an effective PR vehicle can turn out large crowds. So I think we need to each share what our personal definition of prestige is. Then discuss the different shows in that light.