[JanT]

Yes, I have to agree with you on almost all your points when it comes to extending friendship in koi by making all koi kichi welcome to our Club events.

However, upon entering this hobby of keeping koi, there is an understanding that one must also be responsible for what he/she seeks to derive from it. By that I mean if you want to show your fish, if you enjoying traveling to others venues, you must take on the responsibility to do that..........diligently seek out the information needed, research where, when, how you can and will attend. As I know you have done this before, you will surely understand where I come from also.

I have been doing just that, along with my husband since 1996. We 'invited ourselves', we knew no one, were not politically connected, yet we had the love of koi and showing. We live in Colorado, yet travelled to Oklahoma City, Phoenix, AZ., Chicago, Il., San Jose, CA., San Diego, CA., Orlando, FL., and other places to koi shows and all totally without invitations. Most times we toted our beloved koi, other times we went just to 'study' the hobby in general and see how shows were put on. Let me add that I chose most often to try to contact each sponsoring Club/show-chair in advance to see if others such as us were to be made tanks/banquet tickets available. Sometimes I did not even get a return call or email, but I perservered anyway as I am a stubborn one. Disappointments happen. I never took it personally.

I am now in my 3rd year running as Co-Chair of our RMKC Show and let me tell you what Mr. Childers has said is so true. There is a huge amount of work and very few to do it (unless by a seasoned and teamwork oriented group who have done it for a awhile). Most times the reason is simply because folks do not know what is involved or needed and are afraid. For a totally new club, I cannot even imagine trying to cover everything and do it 100% - just doesn't happen. As most things go, there isn't perfection here. You do the best you can, as I think UMKC has certainly done to a fine degree!
I hopefully have shed the light here, that you can rest assured, you are probably welcome at any AKCA Koi Show you should so choose to attend, that is unless specifically told it is CLOSED to members only, such as your group has chosen to do.
As to your previous commitment on our RMKC Show date, I am sorry you will not be able to attend our Show. You will most certainly miss a grand time.