Community set for fabulous '50s

SANDPOINT — The community is once again readying itself for the annual time-warp extravaganza of Lost in the ’50s, which begins its 24th year on Thursday.

In addition to local favorites like the vintage car parade and street dance, this year’s Lost in the ’50s features a number of classic musical acts, such as The Crystals, Johnny Thunders and Rocky and the Rollers.

Performing Friday evening at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, The Crystals will sing from the trio’s vast catalog of early-’60s hits, such as “Uptown,” “And Then He Kissed Me and “Da Do Ron Ron.”

Before that, locals and tourists alike will dust off their poodle skirts and letterman’s jackets for Friday’s vintage car parade and street dance, both of which have become staples of the weekend.

The parade, along with Saturday’s car show, gives car enthusiasts a chance to take out their classic rides for the first spin of the year. Hundreds of cars are scheduled to take part in the parade, and drivers can sign up to enter the event until Friday morning.

Barb Merritt, a longtime organizer for Lost in the ’50s, said the event has become synonymous with the beginning of summer.

“It brings people together and it kicks off the summer season,” she said. “Lost in the ’50s hits and it’s like, ‘OK, it’s summer now.’ Never mind the weather. It might snow on the event, but it’s summer.”

It takes dozens of volunteers and tireless work from founder Carolyn Gleason to make Lost in the ’50s the iconic event that it is, but Merritt said the long hours are worth it when she sees the entire community come together to enjoy the shows.

“There’s a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of money that goes into creating Lost in the ’50s for the community,” she said. “It’s just a community event. It has always been, it always will be and, hopefully, it will keep going for a long, long time.”

Visit www.lostinthe50s.org for a full lineup of activities and shows, and call 265-LOST to purchase tickets.