Aiming at enhancing your life for the holiday season with the art of choices, the 2012 Celebrations Expo presented by Great Floors at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, is ready for its inaugural event on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

This event will be bookended with high-energy cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, massages, presentations, music, hors d'oeuvres, and wine from the Coeur d'Alene Cellars.

Improving upon former years, the Expo will be a confluence of the last year's shows, merging the varying interests of men and women with North Idaho businesses' products and services.

Inland Northwest vendors will display products and services covering fashion, home decor, cooking, health and beauty, as well as a special section on adventure and vacations.

"We're taking the best of all of our shows and putting it into one fantastic show," said Celebrations Expo event coordinator Andreas John. "This is a great opportunity for people to explore all the different avenues to find what cutting-edge products and services work for them."

The event is designed to offer every person something valuable. "We want it to be intimate and fun. It's not just an Expo to show off vendors, it's an event where every person can come and participate, have fun, and enjoy this atmosphere," John said.

"I can't think of a better way for someone to explore everything that's out there," John said. "It's going to be a busy, vibrant, and fun event with a great turnout."

Coeur d'Alene Press Sales Manager Jennifer Alexander is thrilled for the 2012 Celebrations Expo.

"As a woman, a professional, a wife and a mother, it's the perfect evening to explore all of the region's best holiday attire, shopping and entertaining," Alexander said. "It's your one-stop shop. Instead of shopping all over Idaho and Washington, you can come to the Expo."

Alexander also notes how helpful the Expo will be to consumers.

"Think about it. As a consumer, I may love scarves but not know the different ways to wear one. Our fashion show will show you that. So I am planning my first holiday party, our vendors can help you with that. It's all encompassing," Alexander said.

A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to further develop the Kootenai Health Birthing Center, which provides neonatal and neonatal intensive care services.

"We have VIP tickets for sale, which include a free glass of wine complimentary of the Coeur d'Alene Cellars, hors d'oeuvres, special prize giveaways, and early admittance to the show at 4 p.m.," John said. Furthermore, there will be prize giveaways throughout the evening, with the announcement of the grand prize at 7:45 p.m.

VIP tickets are $25 and general admission tickets are $10. Buy tickets in advance by visiting the Expo's sponsors: Super 1 Foods, Great Floors, Coeur d'Alene Cellars, Studio 3B Hair Design, and the Coeur d'Alene Press, or call event coordinator Andreas John at (208) 664-0219.