33 years of Lost in the ’50s

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

Time to reach into the back of the closet for the poodle skirt and leather jacket, as this weekend marks the 33rd annual Lost in the ‘50s throwback celebration in Sandpoint.

A couple of the sweet rides at a past Lost in the ‘50s. Photo by Kip Folker.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are packed full of enough classic cars and music to take you back in time, and the weekend is Sandpoint’s cue to get into full swing for summer. Whether you’re a motorhead, an Elvis enthusiast, or both, there’s something for you at Lost in the ‘50s.

“The lineup is great this year. There’s a lot of talent,” said organizer and event founder Carolyn Gleason. “I’m excited for people in this area to just get to come and see Mary Wilson (of The Supremes) perform. Back in the day you’d only see (her) in the city.”

Gleason said what’s kept her going after three decades of Lost in the ‘50s is the “little things.” She said she recently had a woman call asking for accomodations for her elderly father whose last wish is to “go to Lost in the ‘50s one more time.” Gleason is providing the family a wheelchair to make it happen.

“What’s different about what we do here is the personal touch,” she said. “The people make it all worthwhile.”

Thursday, May 17

Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven — doors at 6 p.m., show at 7

Catch Justin Shandor as Elvis, Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee, Ray Anthony as Richie Valens and possibly more as they bring music of past decades back to life at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. For ticket info, call (208) 263-9321.

Friday, May 18 

Vintage Car Parade — 6 p.m.

Downtown Sandpoint hosts a parade of classic cars starting east down Church Street then north on First Avenue and back west on Cedar. Set up camp on any street lining the parade route and feast your eyes.

Street Dance — immediately following the parade

Bashful Dan will DJ a street dance on Second and Main, where anyone and everyone is welcome to showcase their best moves. This event is free and open to all ages.

Show and Dance at the Fairgrounds — doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7

Catch performances from the original lead singer of The Crystals, La La Brooks, lead singer of The Buckinghams, Dennis Tufano, as well as Rocky and the Rollers. For ticket info, call (208) 263-9321.

A bird’s eye view of the action on Second Ave. during the car show. Photo by Ben Olson.

Saturday, May 19

Car Show — 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

First, Cedar, Main, Second and Third will be packed with classic cars of every breed to view up close and personal. This event is free.

Show and Dance at the Fairgrounds — doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7

Mary Wilson of The Supremes ends Lost in the ‘50s weekend with a bang by performing at the fairgrounds. According to Gleason, this is the real highlight of the year. For ticket info, call (208) 263-9321.