Most Prestigious show in Continental U.S.?

[koinut]

What would you guys say the most prestigious koi show is in the Continental U.S.?

[dcny]

My guess would be Koi America. Last year's show had 367 fish.

-Dan

[aquitori]

This is a hard question...Maybe 6 years ago I could have said easily ZNA SoCal...We have to rank each show with the amount of high quality fish not quatity. I can go to a show with less fish as long as it is high quality fish. People who have shown, know this all too well. This past Camellia and KoiKichi show had alot of high quality fish...It is hard to stay consistant with each show and to get the hobbyist to bring their expensive fish is another. This coming year I would have to say these are the shows to attend. All-Florida ZNA, SoCal ZNA and last but not least All-Bay Area Show...

[koiczar]

I would agree with you Antonio, except I don't see the "consistent" level of quality on the East Coast as I have here in California. I would rank them, SoCal ZNA, and then a toss up between Florida AFKAPS and what could become the next "big" show, the All Bay Area. There are supposed to be at least 12 fish over 30"so far, as I was informed by Kevin. Soooo, we shall see!!

[Rod L.]

Small point here guys. AFKAPS no longer exists. A new show has taken its place and the is the Central Florida Koi Show (CFKS) at http://www.cfks.orgThis show is put on by 4 AKCA clubs and 1 ZNA club. This year the show will be run with ZNA judging rules and judges. Not all of the members of the previous AFKAPS show are among the new show membership and there is no longer a Goldfish show associated with the show. This show continues to grow and produce higher quality Koi entries every year and is the largest annual show in the East, only rivaled by the Koi America Show once every two years. This show continually has the largest number of Koi vendors attending any East Coast show annually and now has several, regular, West Coast vendor in attendance. This is a great show for East Coasters and especially Southerners to be able to see many high quality Koi and also get a chance to purchase some high quality Koi, since there are very few vendors of high quality Koi in the Southern states.
I have many updates waiting to be finalized for placement on the website and hope to be posting them over the holidays, so please keep checking back on the website.

Rod L.

Rod Lawton (President of ZNA SKA) CoChairman of the CFKS along with Henry Culpepper (Vice President of ZNA SKA).

[MikeM]

The Central Florida Koi Show so far knows of 7 over 30" koi that will be entered, 6 of which are gosanke. I am hoping it will reach 8 or more gosanke over 30". That will make an impressive competition. ....Will the show reach over a dozen over 30"?? Some day. In 2006?.... we'll see.

[luke frisbee]

I ain't ever sen a Caleefornya KoiShow But I bet they got the best ones. here in the East the CFKS '05 had better fish than the KA '05. mainly cuz of what St Ephen and about 6 hobbyists brought...
now what is the Epher going to cook-up in Memphis '06?

[koinut]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee I ain't ever sen a Caleefornya KoiShow But I bet they got the best ones. here in the East the CFKS '05 had better fish than the KA '05. mainly cuz of what St Ephen and about 6 hobbyists brought... now what is the Epher going to cook-up in Memphis '06?

I hear he's got some really nice fish. He should try one of the California shows and raise the bar.

[MikeM]

Now, Steve, we know that by the time September rolls around the Memphis show is going to be in the race for the grand show of the year. Seems to me that to claim the "most prestigious", one has to look at the quality of the competition drawn to a show over time. So, the Nashville show is not likely to take that title, at least the first year.... but if a certain little red & white tucked away by the beach in north Florida was to make an appearance, don't you know that there would be kichi ready to see if their cut flower was fresher than "the one in Orlando"? ....I know, you'll never show her again. ... We'll see. I think around mid-March will be the time to start hounding you? ...So, enjoy the winter.

[Tim C]

It would be quite difficult to judge which show was the best this past year or any year past without actually attending the shows in question. Other than that it is pure speculation.


I am quite sure that many have their "favorite" show - or we could get into the debate on whether West coast shows are better than East Coast or Dealer shows bring in higher quality than Club shows. All speculation unless we send a team to every show with the purpose of judging and ranking.

This next year seems to have the makings of a few top notch shows. I hope to be able to get to the SF Show or one of the West Coast shows so I can judge for myself.

Happy Thanksgiving