BOTHELL — Some people are attracted to their bright colors, others believe they may bring good luck, but Randy Wessman bought his first Japanese koi simply because he was curious.
Over the years, Wessman, of Cashmere, watched his fish grow along with his passion for koi — domesticated varieties of carp bred in Japan and kept in ponds all over the world.
Wessman brought several of his fish to the Country Village in Bothell this weekend for their first koi competition.
This past Saturday and Sunday, Wessman was one of many owners proudly standing by the large tanks containing bright orange, black-and-white, grey and silver koi of all sizes.
More than two thousand people attended the show organized by the Washington Koi and Water Garden Society, said Vik Nair, who is serving as president of the club this year.
At the club’s annual show, people show off their koi, buy fish and supplies, and share advice with fellow koi owners, he said.
“It’s a hobby that can be as expensive or as cheap as you want,” Nair said.
He said some of the fish, which range from 4 to 36 inches in length, can cost as much as a decent car.
Wessman said filters and maintenance equipment can be pricey too, but beginners shouldn’t get discouraged.
He said owners can easily make a lot of the necessary supplies themselves.
All things considered, Wessman said, the hobby is well worth the time and the money spent.
“It’s so peaceful by the pond. They are just fascinating to watch,” he said.
Nair, who lives in Lake Forest Park and has an indoor pond, said he can spend hours at a time watching his koi.
He said today’s brightly colored koi descended about a century ago from the common carp that people in Japan used to grow for food.
Tracie and Brett Hendrickson of Echo Lake said they discovered the show only a couple of years ago but already consider themselves hooked on koi.
“I come here and end up spending a lot of money. If you have a pond, you can’t help it,” Brett Hendrickson said. “They are so soothing to look at.”
On Sunday, they walked away with several new fish, posters, shirts and food for their koi, Tracie Hendrickson said.
But most importantly, the Hendricksons said they walked away with valuable advice from fellow koi owners, as they are now a part of this small community with a big passion.
Reporter Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452 or kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
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