COEUR d’ALENE — Bob Lowe said that many people watch reality shows such as “Gold Rush” and think they need $100,000 or more to get started in prospecting.

“But you can get a gold pan, shovel, and buckets and get started for just about $40,” Lowe added. “That first bucket could have a $100 nugget in it.”

Lowe, who along with his wife Mary started the Northwest Gold Prospectors Association, was at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday along with fellow association members for the Gold & Treasure Show. The event, in its 18th year, focuses on bringing in the latest and greatest prospecting equipment and introducing the greater community to the craft.

“It’s an outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy,” Lowe said. “I always tell the kids that this is the only thing where you can go and get muddy and throw rocks and no one can yell at you because all you’re doing is panning for gold.”

Meeting people who share the same passion is one of Lowe’s favorite parts of the event each year. He also said that he loves introducing families to the hobby side of prospecting.

“We’re blessed in this area and it’s a good place to get into this,” Lowe added. “You go looking for gold where gold was found before and we’ve got a bunch of places within a 60-mile radius of here.”

Chris Cosby, of Lewiston, was at the event showing attendees his invention, the Gold Getter.

“It goes through a heaping lump of material in less than 20 seconds,” Cosby told onlookers.

Cosby and his wife, Collen, attend shows throughout the region where they sell the invention.

“For the size of the event, it’s been going pretty great,” Cosby added.

Tammy B., a Hayden resident, told The Press she and her family regularly attend gem and mineral shows in the area. When they saw an advertisement for the Gold & Treasure Show, Tammy said they just had to come check it out and that the event has the family thinking about trying their hand at prospecting this summer.

“The people here are the best part. Everybody is so friendly and really helpful,” she said. “There’s a lot of knowledge and experience in this building.”