Back by popular demand, MPKS is once again holding a Tosai (one-year-old Koi) auction on June 10th in Bry and Bay Batemans' yard. We will be auctioning 40 butterfly koi and 40 normal-finned koi of all varieties, including metallics and gin-rin. This is a great opportunity to pick up some fine koi deals, enjoy a day at the Batemans' ponds with fellow club members, and just generally hang out and have some fun while supporting the club (all proceeds to the general fund). Bidding will begin at $15 to $20, and we are happy to have our resident auctioneer Bob Passovoy doing the honors. All fish will be bagged and oxygenated for easy transportation home. There will be plenty of snacks and refreshments for all comers, so even if you don't want to bid, come on over and relax for awhile - you might even see something you like!

In response to requests for larger, higher-grade show-quality koi from several members, we are trying something new this year in addition to our regular auction. If you were at the February dinner meeting, you had an opportunity to see some of the incredible koi being bred by Brady Brandwood, our speaker that night. He has agreed to sell us ten of his best kohaku born in the Spring of 2005 on his farm in North Carolina (Lotusland Koi Farms) at a greatly reduced price. These koi will not be auctioned however. In an attempt to make it fair for all, we will pre-sell each fish for $150. Here's how it will work: If you wish to participate, you must pre-pay the entire $150 by May 1. Send a check made out to MPKS to Bryan Bateman, 245 Middaugh Rd., Clarendon Hills, Il 60514. If more than 10 members wish to participate, this will give us time to have Brady send more fish in time for our June 10 shindig. You may, of course, purchase more than one if you wish. Now this is where the fun begins. At the auction, each participant will draw a number - one for each fish sold. Whoever draws number "one" will have first choice from all of the fish. Number "two" will then select from all remaining fish, and so on until all koi have been selected. To encourage folks to show at our August Koi show, we will have a special award for the best of these kohaku if displayed at that time.

The first ten Kohaku arrived on March 7th, and are currently in quarantine at the Batemans'. You can begin to pick your favorites right now, as we have photographed all ten to entice you. I already have my favorite picked!

We hope to see you on the 10th. Bidding starts at noon, but stop by any time.

Bryan Bateman