COEUR d’ALENE — A few days before the start of the North Idaho State Fair, Jeremy Houser walked in to see if the carnival needed extra help. 

It did. 

Thursday, the Coeur d’Alene man was busy with the Mardi Gras, a funhouse he’ll be running at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.  

It’s a good gig, he said, and he'll make $750 a week for the 10-day fair. 

But more than the pay, it’s the family atmosphere he enjoys. 

“You don’t see a lot of that anymore,” Houser said. “Everybody is so busy on their electronics. This is the one place where you can actually see everyone come together.” 

Kids having a good time is a centerpiece of the North Idaho State Fair, which is having its grand opening ceremony at 4 p.m. today at the main gate. 

Thursday afternoon, trucks were coming and going, tents were rising, grills were being tested and banners hung in preparation for crowds expected to top 160,000 before the fair’s end. 

This year's theme is "Fun Galore."

Rides, games, food and vegetables are just some of the things sure to delight children. 

Yes, vegetables. 

Lisa Houston is superintendent of the vegetable section in Building 9 that is also home to fruit, edible herbs, nuts, flowers, honey and bees. 

The junior section featured an impressive display of cucumbers, carrots and peas. 

“You gotta see the potatoes,” Houston said. “The potatoes are pretty impressive.” 

The 18-year fair veteran enjoys the event’s camaraderie and friendship.  

“I’ve only got to work two days in the next 10 days, I’ve got so many people helping," she said.  

Over at the food court, Gary Fessler with the Knights of Columbus was ready to work. The benevolent group has been a fair regular for more than three decades. 

“This is a project the whole organization can take part in,” Fessler said. 

The Knights see old friends and make new ones as they serve up hundreds of burgers, hot dogs and sausages. An all-volunteer crew mans the booth each day. 

“People know us,” Fessler said. 

Jim and Peggy Creech of Nampa were in the early stages of preparing a site for their business, JGC Promotions, which offers items with themes of political satire and the Second Amendment. 

It’s all in fun. 

“Anything that makes people feel better about what's going on,” said Jim Creech, who wore a hat with the words, “I’m voting for the felon.” 

He said they usually are at the Western Idaho Fair in Boise but decided to try the North Idaho State Fair this year. 

"We have a lot of customers up here,” Jim Creech said. 

Pastor Ruben and Sharon Garcia with Cornerstone Baptist Church were setting up their patriotic-themed booth in another building.

Kids and adults can earn prizes by taking quizzes about America’s history and important figures, and even more with correct answers.

With an election coming up, the Garcias said, it was a good time to encourage people to pay attention to the political process and learn about America's roots.

“We're patriotic,” Ruben Garcia said. “We love our country.” 

A banner on the wall behind the Garcias read, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” ... Psalm 33:12.

“It also gives us an opportunity to tell people about the Lord,” Ruben Garcia said. 

Back at Building 9, Juana Perley was trying to put entries into the computer system but having trouble. 

“The computer decided to kick me out,” she said, laughing as she restarted it. “When all else fails, you power down and power up.” 

She said no matter what technical problems pop up, Building 9 will be ready when the fair opens. 

“Even if they have to stay up all night,” a smiling Perley said looking toward other volunteers.

The fair is open from 2 to 10 p.m. today. Tickets are available at www.nisfair.fun and at the gate. 

    Lisa Houston holds an eggplant during preparations on Thursday for the North Idaho State Fair.
  

    Pastor Ruben Garcia and his wife Sharon set up their booth on Thursday for the North Idaho State Fair.
  

    Juana Perley sits inside Building 9 during set up for the North Idaho State Fair on Thursday.
  

    Two men chat during preparations for the North Idaho State Fair on Thursday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds