POST FALLS - Erin Landers had a lot to clap about at Thursday night's Community Business Fair.

With plastic hand clappers, Landers, a staffing consultant with Express Employment Professionals, visited with attendees at the firm's booth about job options and the economy.

She said there's a lot to, well, clap about.

"I think the job market is starting to open up," Landers said during the free fair sponsored by the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce at the Greyhound Park and Event Center.

"A lot of sales and marketing people are starting to get hired back. You know business is growing when companies start to hire back sales people."

The fair's attendance and atmosphere was also a positive sign.

Pam Houser, the chamber's CEO, said a record of more than 1,000 people attended.

"We had 225 people go through the door in the first 15 minutes," she said. "They were lined up."

Attendees, some with children, weaved through the packed aisles visiting with employees of some of the 97 companies and clubs represented, 20 more than last year's fair.

The drawings - more than $5,000 worth of prizes were available- and freebies always add to the excitement. Attendees also played bingo for the chance to win prizes and attended workshops to improve the homefront.

"The energy level feels really good," Houser said. "Our marketing strategy was different this year. We marketed to the whole business community. It isn't just a chamber event."

Landers said it's an opportunity for citizens to mingle with businesses and groups in the community.

"It's not just business to business," she said. "It's job seekers, employers and residents, so there's a lot of points of view."

Travis Crane, a Post Falls High junior, attended as a representative of the school's DECA Club. Students helped set up and tear down the fair to take ownership in their business community, but it was also an education.

"This helps me see the marketing side of things," Crane said.

Jennifer Johnson, who attended with her two daughters, said it was an opportunity to see what's available in her community.

"Sometimes it's hard to realize what's all out there, so this is a nice way to get acquainted with a lot of businesses in one setting," Johnson said. "And it's a festive atmosphere."