North Idaho Home and Garden Show Returns to Kootenai County Fairgrounds in March

Even without power on setup day, the builders didn't slow down. Miranda Latscha of Architerra Homes summed up the mood among exhibitors preparing their displays Thursday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds: "It works because all of these people roll with the punches."

The North Idaho Home and Garden Show, presented by the North Idaho Building Contractors Association, ran March 13 through 15 at the fairgrounds on North Government Way in Coeur d'Alene, drawing what organizers describe as thousands of visitors each year. The three-day event opened Friday at noon, continued Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and wrapped Sunday at 3 p.m.

More than 100 local builders, remodelers, landscapers and businesses filled the fairgrounds floor, offering information and services ranging from roofing, siding and windows to cabinets, concrete coating, garage doors and heating and cooling systems. NIBCA's event page noted the Coeur d'Alene show reached full capacity before it opened, though booth space remains available for the Sandpoint show at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on April 11 and 12.

Lakeview Decks and Construction required all hands on deck during setup, assembling a full-size outdoor kitchen and patio as a centerpiece display. Carpenter Louis Bibby explained the appeal of the event for local trades businesses simply: "It's good exposure and a chance to get our names out there."

Saturday brought Junk Wars, a highlight the show's organizers pointed to ahead of opening day. In the real-world construction challenge, students from Kootenai Technical Education and area high schools designed and built projects from scrap materials. The competition reflects a broader concern within North Idaho's building sector. NIBCA Vice President Cody Rauen, of Silver Ridge Construction, noted that about 70% of labor in North Idaho is tied to the construction industry, making recruitment of younger workers into the trades a pressing priority.

For Latscha, the annual gathering carries a meaning beyond contractor networking. "It's kind of the beginning of spring for North Idaho," she said.

Those who missed the Coeur d'Alene show can reach NIBCA at 208-765-5518 or info@nibca.com for information about the upcoming Sandpoint event. The Bonner County Fairgrounds show runs Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendor booth space still available.