COEUR d’ALENE — Hunter Sasselli was at the North Idaho Home and Garden Show on Friday to help homeowners learn about reducing wildfire risks on private property.

“Wildfires are a huge deal around here,” said Sasselli, who is with Next Generation Logging. “And 85% of the homes in North Idaho are in a wildland urban interface, meaning they are right on the border of potential wildfire risks.”

Hundreds made their way to opening day of the annual event presented by the North Idaho Building Contractors Association. 

Representatives of roofing, blinds, windows, credit unions, fiber optics, painting, wellness and other areas will be at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from 10 to 6 today and 10 to 4 Sunday.

Guest speakers, special deals and prizes await.

More than 4,000 people are expected to attend. They will have opportunities to meet with builders, remodelers, designers, landscapers and other specialists as they prepare for spring projects.

Visitors thinking about building or repairing a deck could find help at the Grey Peak LLC booth.

Owner Hans Wijma said this was his first time setting up at the Home and Garden Show.

“I’m hoping to grow my business in the Coeur d’Alene area, but I work in both Washington and Idaho," he said.

Folks seeking garage door services were able to find help at the North Idaho Garage Door booth. Erik Johansen and his wife run the local business and said the show is a fantastic way to network.

“We can build a great referral base,” Johansen said. “So when we get work, we can also refer plumbers, roofers, windows or any other home improvement company.”

“It really brings the building community together,” he added.

The weather was fair enough to draw a sizable crowd.

“I am hoping to get a few things together so I can start planting my flower garden as soon as possible," said Shirley Harrison. “I’m just glad we didn’t get rained out."

Public health professionals were also on site to help people learn about the dangers of lead contamination.

“It is a concern from this area over into the Silver Valley," said Emily Hasz with the Panhandle Health District’s Kellogg office. “Many of the old mine sites can be contaminated with heavy metals."

Kelly Berg with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said the issue can also be closer to home, so they offer soil testing so residents can ensure their garden soil is clean.

Tickets are $7 at the door, $5 with a donation of a nonperishable food item.

    Taxidermy raccoons were playing cards at the Wild West Rustic Furniture booth. They are a local company that specializes in hand made wooden furniture, but like to have fun with some of their displays.