COEUR d’ALENE — Henry Wolsten didn’t have a booth at the North Idaho Business Expo and Career Fair, but perhaps he should have.

The owner and manager of Spring Chicken Socials was on the lookout for young people, college graduates and freelancers “looking to help their local community and help them foster and grow rather than taking their skills and assets elsewhere.”

Wolsten’s independent social media marketing company could use photographers, videographers and graphic designers, and he hoped to find them at the expo at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

He talked with several people, explained who he was and what he did, and learned about their work plans and hopes.

“I’m having a blast so far,” Wolsten said. “I like meeting people with startups because I feel I can relate to them.”

Nearly 80 businesses and organizations manned booths at the annual event organized by the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber and Post Falls Area Chamber.

When it opened at 4 p.m. a crowd of young and old flowed through the doors and in the first 30 minutes, hundreds had talked to vendors about jobs and services and also came away with plenty of prizes.

Engineering, banking, health care, higher education and tourism were just some of the fields represented at the three-hour fair.

“I love bringing the community together and having them learn about businesses,” said Christina Petit, Post Falls Area Chamber president and CEO.

Miquel Butler, ticket supervisor with the Route of the Hiawatha, said they were looking to hire about 50 people before their Memorial Day weekend opening. 

They were offering in the $12 to $14 an hour range for positions including trail marshals, bus drivers, bike rental technicians and cashiers. They were also offering discounted housing in the Silver Valley.

“We’re expecting a busy summer,” she said. 

Bob and Marilyn Weaver of Bayview were making the rounds. Married 64 years, they enjoy getting out and learning what companies have to offer.

“We like to see what the vendors are in the area,” Bob Weaver said.

They enjoyed the expo’s friendly atmosphere and high-energy vibes.

“It’s a good show,” Marilyn Weaver said. 

Likewise for Florence Stovall, who was there with her husband, Earl Stovall.

“For the free stuff,” she said.