Huge Koi Show Returns to Woodward Park This Weekend

After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Central California Koi Society will reunite with the Shinzen Friendship Garden at Woodward Park for the 42nd Fresno Koi Show this weekend.

The free show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

“The Shinzen Friendship Garden is a treasure for our community, and we are proud to partner with them again,” said koi society president Lisa Lamoure. “With their stunning gardens and beautiful koi pond, we could not have found a more perfect location.”

The show is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. And, it attracts many local and visiting enthusiasts who exhibit their prized koi in the judged competition.

Koi are unique in their colors and can grow to be an average of 12 to 15 inches long. although in some cases, they can grow larger than that. (GV Wire File)

For attendees, there will be docent-led tours, a bonsai demonstration, and kid’s koi art activities.

The friendship garden has hidden gems to discover including small waterfalls, a koi pond, the iconic moon bridge, a tea house, and the Clark Bonsai Collection.

Woodward Park first hosted the show in 2019 after more than a decade at Fig Garden Village. Before that, the show was at Duncan Water Gardens.

Koi Are ‘Like Living Art’

For those interested in purchasing koi, hundreds will be for sale from vendors. Many of the fish are imported directly from top breeders in Japan.

“Koi fish are like living art, they have a variety of patterns and colors, and make amazing pets. Koi can recognize their owners and be extremely friendly,” said Lamoure.

Other vendors will offer koi-inspired food and koi products that include art, home décor, and other gift items.