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After reading the article in the paper on Friday I was puzzled and amazed. Lost in the ’50s doesn’t and has never been in charge of vendors. So why are people mad at the organizers of the event? At best, they have tried to steer a random bunch of homegrown fundraising groups in a general direction so that all can benefit. They have never solicited outside vendors or charged local groups who “pitch their tents” in hopes of making money. As for the “permitting and sales tax stuff,” that is all coming from the city of Sandpoint.

I don’t know if people are aware that Lost in the ’50s is not a fundraiser. Its organizers and volunteers do not get paid for their hard work. In fact, each year it gets harder to raise enough money to even keep it going.

Many people attend the parade and look at the cars without ever thinking “who pays for all of this?” Even some full hotels and restaurants do not contribute anything to this event that has so long benefited this community. And help to make Sandpoint so great!

My question to you is: Have you ever sent a thank you card or a check of gratitude to Carolyn or the Lost in the ’50s organization for all the years and hours they have dedicated to putting on this event?

Many of them are getting older and they are tired. Some have passed away and there are not any new people coming in to replace them.

Perhaps instead of complaining, people should be asking “how can we help?”

WESLEY DUSTMAN

Sandpoint