Meets: money, times and location

Hey everybody! Im starting to feel confident enough in myself that I want to go to a meet, however the only meets I have heard about are the National ones, and, needless to say, I don't think that would be the ideal first meet. So does any one know of any smaller meets coming up soon? How much do they cost on average (im a poor student so cheap is good)? What kinds of times should I try and have? And my last kinda dumb question, if you do happen to get DQ'd...do you at least get to finish the race or do they pull you out immediately? My goal for now is to go to a meet, compete in a race and finish...place has no value at this point. Thanx!!! ~Kyra p.s. I live in Idaho...so this side of the country meets would be good.:D