Koi and wine festival attracts families

Sept. 4, 2006
By JOSEPH M. DELEON News-Post Staff
jdeleon @ fredericknewspost . com

ADAMSTOWN — A ridge of mountains forms an undulating landscape that surrounds more than 80 acres of aquatic botanicals in Adamstown known as Lilypons Water Gardens.

Frogs chirped an alarm as they skipped across the water Sunday, finding shelter under stalks of arrow-shaped leaves that grew plumes of violet flowers.

A faint perfume of sweet nectar mixed with the woody smell of wet soil, while butterflies floated across mats of vegetation accented with delicate crowns of fuscia petals.

The only reminder of civilization was the gentle whoosh of cars passing on a nearby road.

Adam and Angela Elkassem, along with their children Ryan and Alex, all of Columbia, were among hundreds who enjoyed the 26th annual Koi and Wine Festival.

"It's not high maintenance and you can get close to nature," Mr. Elkassem said.

The boys were excited to see butterflies, frogs and a snake, Ms. Elkassem said.

Ryan, 6, showed his 4-year-old brother a katydid he caught at the edge of a pond. While Ryan pointed out details, his brother grimaced.

"He's our little scientist," Mr. Elkassem said.

The family enjoyed a boat ride, while the Star Spangled Big Band from Frederick played "Pennsylvania 6-5000" in the distance.

Many guests enjoyed Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard's wine. The vineyard started three years ago and bottled wine for the fist time in spring; it was the only vineyard invited to the event.

Other guests fed Japanese carp from a floating deck. The koi glided to the surface with little effort, their gaping mouths swallowing tiny pellets of food.

More than 20 vendors sold jewelry, clothing, artwork and food. One crowd favorite was Wholey Shitake, a fried organic mushroom stand.

Tanner Seipp, 27, from Parkton, started the business in April. Mr. Seipp has been a chef for more than 12 years, but now specializes in weekend festivals.

"The name draws people in, even if they don't like mushrooms," he said.

Marilyn and Rony Werthamer went to the festival from Baltimore to learn how to build a pond.

Mr. Werthamer, an attorney, owns a vegetable garden on two acres where he grows eggplant, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes.

"I could play golf, or I could play in the garden," he said. "I'll build a pond because it's relaxing — no one is yelling at you, no defense attorneys, no judges or anyone giving you grief."