COSTA MESA – The Marine Aquarium Expo grew from an epiphany Kevin Adams had when he watched children walk pass by a 65-inch television to stop and just stare at an aquarium.
“They were mesmerized,” Adams said.
At that moment, the saltwater-aquarium hobbyist abandoned his master’s degree in accounting and worked to create the largest marine aquarium event in North America.
“Sustaining the ecosystem takes tenacity,” the Garden Grove resident said.
More than 65 exhibitors showcased the latest aquatics products at the MAX Sunday.
The event, now in its fourth year, attracted more than 2,000 fans over the weekend to the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa.
Speakers and workshops as well as aquatic goods and equipment were featured. Entertainer “Captain Jack Sparrow” inducted youngsters as pirates.
Mermaids held live starfish for youngsters to pet. People could touch baby sharks, too.
“My water baby daughter wanted to jump into the tank,” parent Nikki Shipley joked.
Contact the writer: cyamanaka@ocregister.com
