Lost in the ’50s set to return to downtown Sandpoint

SANDPOINT – After a two-year hiatus, Lost in the ’50s in back.

Lost in the ‘50s organizer and founder Carolyn Gleason announced the return of the event, which serves as the unofficial kickoff of summer, on its Facebook page last month.

Gleason said she is thrilled the event is coming back and can’t wait for Lost in the ‘50s to return to the streets of downtown Sandpoint

“I’m excited to be back and get everyone back to normal after COVID,” she said.

Lost in the ‘50s returns the third weekend in May with a “bigger parade, starting at the high school,” said Gleason, adding the tradition of the dance party, plus classic cars and music all weekend is one she was determined to make sure was held.

While it was always a goal to get to 35 years, Gleason said she never expected to make it past the first year. She “takes a ton of pride” in what the event brings to the community, she said.

“It fulfills my goal to create a space to bring the originals to children who otherwise wouldn't get the chance,” she added.

Gleason remembers one year in particular where two teens stopped her in public to ask about the street dance, traditionally held following the classic car parade. When she asked them what it meant” to them, their response was to the point.

“It’s just fun,” Gleason recalled them saying.

That is just one small part of why she holds Lost in the ‘50s — to do something for the community. That, and loving music and loving cars.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Lost in the ’50s and marks its return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. News that the fan favorite is returning to the streets was met with positive response on social media and in the community, with commenters sharing their excitement it is back.

Folks are already gearing up for the long-awaited event, with local classic car owners getting their wheels out on Sandpoint streets, and out-of-state guests already making travel plans to attend the event.

Since the car show application was posted on the Lost in the ‘50s Facebook page, 525 cars have prequalified with more submitted daily. Gleason says she expects 700-plus cars to take part in the event, with cars coming from as far away as Canada and Texas.

The reason is simple, those taking part posted on social media.

“[It’s] one of the best small town events in the country,” said attendee Jeff Hutchinson of why he plans to take part.

Musical guests will include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, R&B legend Darlene Love, whom Gleason said “embodies what the 60s era is”, will perform Friday, May 20.

“Friday night will be priceless in my book,” she said.

Gleason has been a fan for years, attending two concerts in Spokane and loving her music since hearing, “You’ll never walk alone.”

Scheduled to perform Saturday, May 21, will be Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning duo The Righteous Brothers. “House band” Rocky and the Rollers will be returning from their cross country tour to welcome back the event.

In addition to the car show and the concerts, the annual car parade and street dance also are making their return.

Although Gleason has been working with the same team of “friends that are family,” volunteers are welcome. Those interested can call 208-265-5678 to leave their name and phone number and times when they can volunteer.

The return of Lost in the ’50s was among the topics of discussion Wednesday, where the council heard updates about the event, including vendor set-up. Beside the vendors that are a part of Lost in ‘50s, that will set up on the same private property as the event, the city of Sandpoint will be providing 10 booth spaces for vendors on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those reservations can be made through the city.

For more information, go online to the Lost in the ‘50s Facebook page or the city of Sandpoint website.