The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), will hold its 23rd annual Koi Auction on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Japanese koi fish (carp) will be auctioned by members of the Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA) Koi Club of Southern California.
The auction, which begins at noon with a preview of the fish at 11:30 a.m., is a unique and affordable way to purchase the usually expensive koi fish. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Miller Japanese Garden, Cal State Long Beach and the ZNA Koi Club.
“This event may be the most unusual fundraiser of the year but also the most exciting,” said says Alison Redfoot, the garden’s assistant director for education. “The live auction never fails to delight koi buyers partly because people are so excited to ascertain these beautiful pets and partly because of the great prices.”
Experts will be on hand to answer questions about the care of both koi fish and koi ponds. Many large koi fish will be for sale at extremely reasonable prices. In fact, koi enthusiasts travel from out of state to take advantage of purchasing such high quality koi at such a low cost. Koi fish can grow up to three feet in length and have been recorded as living up to 200 years.
Individuals entering the auction area will pay an admission fee and receive a bidding card. Purchasers will also receive a “Caring For Your Koi” brochure.
The event is open to the public, and no reservation is required. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for Friends of the Japanese Garden members. Children 12 and younger and CSULB students are free.
For more information, call (562) 985-8885.
