Lost in the ‘50s Marks Its 38th Weekend

A timeless era relived in Sandpoint

By Angel Dwyer

Lost in the ‘50s began in 1986 as an event—a concert featuring original guest artists, created as a fundraiser for the Festival at Sandpoint. To add to the fun, a small car show was included in the parking lot of the old Vintage Wheel Museum, drawing just 26 cars—mostly from local enthusiasts. Among the organizers was Carolyn Gleason, who had never even been to a car show but believed the idea had potential. What started as a local fundraiser has grown into one of Sandpoint’s most anticipated weekends of the year, drawing 500 to 600 cars and bringing the sights, sounds, and spirit of a bygone era back to life.

Lost in the ‘50s didn’t just appear overnight—it’s the result of countless hours poured in by volunteers over the years. From big commitments to small gestures that often go unnoticed, every person who’s shown up and pitched in has helped shape the event into what it is today. Carolyn is quick to point out that it’s never been about personal recognition. She's deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed—whether behind the scenes or out front—saying that even the smallest acts have made a lasting difference.

With kids and adults dancing in the street, wearing poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and letter sweaters, stepping into Lost in the ‘50s feels like going back in time. It brings you right into the decades when rock ‘n’ roll and doo-wop filled the air, and drive-in movies meant piling into the car with your family or friends for a night out. After World War II, there was a wave of optimism, economic growth, and cultural change. Stylish cars, new music, and a generation ready to chase the future defined the era. For many, those years represent a fun, simpler time they’ll never forget.

This year’s Lost in the ‘50s celebration kicks off Thursday, May 15, with a welcome party at Connie’s Café featuring live music, a beer garden, and a special appearance by My Classic Car host Dennis Gage. On Friday, May 16, the action ramps up with the vintage car parade, starting at 6 pm from the Sandpoint High School parking lot, organized by the local Injectors Car Club. The route winds through town, cruises nearby neighborhoods, passes through downtown, and then disperses—giving spectators plenty of chances to catch the vintage lineup. Right after the parade, head to the Jeff Jones Square at 323 S. 3rd Ave. for the street dance.

That same evening, Friday, May 16, the Bonner County Fairgrounds comes alive with live music by The Modern Gentlemen, delivering a high-energy performance that keeps the crowd dancing. Rocky and the Rollers will also perform Friday night, setting the tone for a full weekend of fun. On Saturday, May 17, the music continues with live performances by Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, along with a return set from Rocky and the Rollers.

Saturday, May 17, wraps up the weekend with the annual downtown car show. Streets close to traffic and fill with rows of vintage cars, while rock ‘n’ roll music rings out from every corner, bringing the whole community together.

Over the last 38 years, Lost in the ‘50s has hosted more than 70 original artists from the golden era of rock, including legends like Bobby Vee and The Righteous Brothers—making it one of Sandpoint’s most unforgettable traditions.

At its heart, Lost in the ‘50s is all about good, clean fun and celebrating the music, cars, and culture of past decades. What keeps the energy alive are the stories: families making memories, kids dressing up, people dancing in the streets. “When you see the kids dancing and laughing, they’re getting a little history lesson, and they don’t even know it,” Carolyn says. It’s those moments, shared by so many, that keep the spirit of the event going strong, year after year.

Some of the most memorable stories over the years have included heartfelt proposals. One young man asked Carolyn if he could stop his truck during the parade to propose to his girlfriend. He popped out, ring in hand, in front of a cheering crowd—and she said yes! That night, the couple shared a dance at the event where their love story began.

Another time, a man too shy to propose himself asked Carolyn for help. “Will you do me a favor? Will you ask my girl to marry me?” he said. Carolyn replied, “I can do you one better.” That evening, guest performer Johnny Tillotson paused mid-set to announce, “A gentleman in the audience would like to ask his girl to marry him.” Johnny invited her on stage, and inside the box he handed her the keys to a 1967 Corvette—her sweetheart’s surprise. Who could say no to that?

Bringing the celebration full circle, a local business owner who once danced in the streets as a child now sponsors the event and brings her own kids to experience it just like she did years ago. “All those stories make it meaningful,” Carolyn says.

This year marks the 38th Lost in the ‘50s weekend, taking place two years later than originally planned due to the COVID pandemic. From volunteers and sponsors to local businesses and families, the event continues thanks to a community that shows up every year. It’s supported through t-shirt sales, concert tickets, car show entries, sponsorships, fundraisers, and donations—each one helping to keep the tradition alive.

To help preserve the legacy of Lost in the ‘50s, organizers are inviting locals to share their favorite photos and memories from past years. If you have pictures you’d like to submit, email them to lost50s@sandpoint.net.

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