Changes ahead for '50s vendors

SANDPOINT — The low-pitched grumble emanating from City Hall this week is not the throaty sound of revving muscle car engines but the growing buzz from food vendors being rerouted from their traditional spots for this year's Lost in the '50s, slated for May 19-22.

In years past, groups have set up in locations throughout downtown Sandpoint to feed the crowds that come to enjoy the music, dancing and the restored automobiles on display in the downtown. Several nonprofit organizations said they count on this annual rite of spring to raise much-needed funds and the short notices makes things tough.

However, Sandpoint officials said while there will be changes in where food vendors will be located — Jeff Jones Town Square has been set as a designated vendor court, with a limit of ten 10-foot by 10-foot spaces — the changes are designed to improve the public’s experience and keep everyone safe.

Sandpoint City Admnistrator Jennifer Stapleton said the location was chosen to ensure that vendors are close to where the classic cars are on display while keeping sidewalks and streets clear for public movement and emergency vehicle access. It also addresses concerns that car owners have expressed about potential damage to their vehicles, she added.

“Last year, one concern was that cars blocked emergency vehicle routes. In speaking with Carolyn (Gleason), another concern was that vendors set up anywhere they want, and it is a concern of car owners participating in the show,” Stapleton said.

“We have to protect the cars or we don’t have an event,” Carolyn Gleason, Lost in the ’50s organizer and founder, said.

The changes were prompted during discussions held last week with event organizers as part of the permit process.

Chuck Bauer, who organizes the food stand for First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint, said that his group traditionally locates its food trucks in an open area between the parking lot of Bonner General Health and the sidewalk near Cedar Street.

Bauer said that his group's equipment will not fit in the compact spaces being set aside at the town square, and they would need two adjoining spots. Even so, he was not sure whether the new setup would work out.

"One of the things we have to be concerned about is safety,” he added. “We borrowed this large commercial gas barbecue that gets very hot, so we have to keep people away from it.”

Stapleton said officials are tightening vendor regulations and requiring that, unless they have permission from a privately owned businesses to use their grounds, all food sellers must set up in the designated spot.

All food vendors, however, will need to obtain the permits necessary to ensure they collect and remit the 1 percent city sales tax that went into effect in January.

Vendors expressed concern that they won’t be able to set up their food carts until Saturday morning because a '50s-style dance takes place in the same location the night before. Some said they set up Friday evening to be ready for the next day. Meanwhile, the event schedule calls for people to be parking hundreds of show cars at 7 a.m. Saturday, with the show itself opening to crowds of patrons at 9:30 a.m.

What's more, Sandpoint Farmers Market will be open for business at 9 a.m. in adjacent Farmin Park. Typically, the overflow market booths migrate to Jeff Jones Square, according to the Farmers Market Association.

Stapleton said city crews will be sweepting the streets early Saturday morning and vendors will be able to set up at 6 a.m.

With Lost in the '50s a mere three weeks away, these new regulations represent significant challenges to the vendors who are used to doing things a certain way. Bauer also wonders whether moving the food stands to the center of town will be good for business.

"“It's just not as convenient as it was. Personally, I think we’ll probably see a decline in business because most people stay on Cedar and First avenues where most of the good cars are," he said. "Other vendors are going to be suddenly impacted, and they don't even know about it yet."

Stapleton said the city appreciates the concerns and is committed to working with everyone to ensure sucessful events.

“It’s always a delicate balance,” she said. “We are committed to trying this approach this year and will make necessary improvements for future years. Lost in the ’50s is a tremendous event that has grown significantly over the years and we expect this year to be no different. This growth requires some changes to ensure a successful event outcome as well as the safety of our community.”

Information: Sandpoint City Hall, 1123 Lake St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 208-263-3317