COEUR d'ALENE - Crowds of Kootenai County residents lined up in front of The Coeur d'Alene Resort Conference Center Tuesday, waiting to enter the Best of North Idaho Expo.

The event kicked off the voting period for the annual Best of North Idaho awards, where Press readers vote for their favorite local businesses and services.

Expo organizer Jennifer Alexander said the awards are "very coveted" and the event gave businesses a perfect opportunity to make a first impression.

"This gives you a preview of what's out there and who to vote for," Alexander said.

Alexander expected more than 500 people to attend the event, which featured free food, live music from local artists Carli Osika and Acuff and Sherfey, prize drawings and information from different businesses.

"We really like being involved in the community promoting animal awareness," said Madison Hill, a veterinary assistant at Lakewood Animal Hospital.

But for Hill and the rest of the staff at Lakewood, there was also unfinished business that prompted them to attend the Expo.

"The hospital was a runner-up last year and our doctor won," Hill said. "We are hoping to win everything this year."

In an effort to garner more votes, the hospital even brought Paris, a dog, along to the Expo with them hoping that her charms and attention would win over attendees.

Throughout the event, which lasted from 4 to 8 p.m., attendees went from booth to booth and learned about the various businesses.

Jean Bachmeier, of Rathdrum, was told about the event by her daughter and told The Press she was "having a lot of fun."

"All of the booths are very interesting," Bachmeier said. "I haven't seen all of them yet, but so far my favorite is the Golden Spike Estates booth."

Voting for Best of North Idaho ends Jan. 31. To cast your vote online, go to www.cdapress.com and follow the link at the top of the page.