Who will be champion of Koi Show Noorderlicht?
It is 9:55 a.m. at the time of writing. In 5 minutes the Koi Show will be open, or well, actually we are already open because there are no crowd gates or a ticket booth; entrance is free and you walk from the large parking lot right into the grounds. With several terraces and a forest and a real watchtower, this is a beautiful location. With 31 barrels filled, the field is ready for battle. That struggle began fifteen minutes ago when I heard the judging panel give a motivational round of applause at the end of the briefing. With that, the judging is officially underway. Who will be the first winner, the Grand Champion Noorderlicht? The best of Bakkeveen?
The weather is glorious and the atmosphere could not be better. A Koi Show up north; a mighty fine outing I would say. Get in the car, bike, train get airdropped from a plane; but stop by today; it’s really worth it. That one-day show in the north of Holland. I have said many times that I am in favor of multiple one-day Koi Shows so that you can inspire as many people as possible in an approachable way and that is why I am so happy to work on this show. Lots of space around the barrels without pipes and ducts, wonderful to enjoy Koi like this.
An inspired group of hobbyists here have really stepped up and made something of it. A group of makers, of doers, of frivolous fantasists who make fun when they can and perform diligent labor when they must. For every problem a solution, for every opportunity an idea. Sober northerners – at least until the barbecue – but mostly submerged naked fish of all colors and sizes. A quality beyond expectations and with the competition led by Joop van Tol and a great judging team, a joy to witness. Just come along folks, if you weren’t already planning it, still do it; it won’t disappoint you.
