Lost in the '50s needs

to attract younger crowd

An open letter to the organizers of Lost in the '50s

We read with interest that you may have to discontinue this event due to lack of funds/interest. The reasons seem obvious to an outsider, but perhaps you are "too close to the forest to see the trees."

To begin with, when this event first started, there were young men and women who wanted to participate with their souped up old cars — cars they fixed up themselves just like the kids did in the '50s. Those who tried were met with disapproval and rejection. Their cars weren't fancy enough, they were too loud, and they were too young to be considered valuable to your event.

Well, now those same people are nearing 30, have money to spend, and their cars are nicer. But they won't come to Sandpoint for your event. They were rejected long ago. Meanwhile, some of the old duffers who were welcome have gotten too old to participate… or have passed on.

Second, and this is important: It is boring. You seem to forget that the old people who take part are there because it's fun to revisit youth … and to maybe feel young for a weekend. By making sure that things are calm and sedate, you only reinforce the knowledge that the fun of youth is beyond their reach.

I've attended the parade. The only people who let us hear what those hot engines could do were the rebels who fully expected to be kicked out, but who didn't care. Most of the drivers dutifully obeyed your "rules." So big deal. If you just want to display the cars, then leave them parked so people can get up close and look carefully.

Some of the young or young-at-heart used to do burn-offs at the park. That was fun and exciting. You put a stop to it.

And the music … slow and boring. We'd have walked out on it the '50s … just as we did when we attended your dance.

CARL W. CLIFF

Priest River