COEUR d’ALENE — No power was no problem for the builders, remodelers, designers and landscapers setting up exhibits Thursday at the fairgrounds for the North Idaho Home and Garden Show.

“It works because all of these people roll with the punches,” said Miranda Latscha with Architerra Homes.

Presented by the North Idaho Building Contractors Association, the annual event kicks off today at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from noon to 6 p.m., continuing Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The show draws thousands each year. It provides an opportunity to explore the latest products while connecting with more than 100 local builders, remodelers, landscapers and businesses offering home improvement, finance and real estate services.

“It’s kind of the beginning of spring for North Idaho,” Latscha said.

Information on roofing, siding, patios, blinds, concrete coating, carpeting, cabinets, decking, windows, garage doors, heating and cooling systems will be available.

The event is also a chance for businesses to reach potential clients.

It was all hands on deck for Lakeview Decks and Construction as they put together a full-size outdoor kitchen and patio to catch the eyes of passersby.

“It’s good exposure and a chance to get our names out there,” said carpenter Louis Bibby.

A highlight of this year’s show will be Saturday’s Junk Wars. In this real-world construction challenge, Kootenai Technical Education and area high school students design and build creative projects using scrap materials.

Sparking younger workers’ interests in the trades is critical. NIBCA Vice President Cody Rauen, with Silver Ridge Construction, said that about 70% of labor in North Idaho is in the construction industry.

“There’s a shortage of tradesmen,” Rauen said. “We want to teach these students in a way that makes the trades valuable to them.”

Each project will also be an auction item. Proceeds benefit NIBCA scholarships and tradesmen sign-on bonuses.

“That’s why we do this,” Rauen said.  

Tickets for the Home and Garden show are $7 at the door, or $5 with a non-perishable food donation. Kids 10 and under get in free.