Sandpoint, ID

Did you notice a lot of cars in town over the weekend? No, it wasn’t a Dave Smith car sale, it was Lost in the 50’s! If you’re new in town or you really aren’t sure what Lost in the 50’s is, here’s the scoop:

Every year, on the weekend before Memorial Day in May, Sandpoint hosts a huge bash called Lost in the 50’s. It’s mostly about a car show featuring classic cars, but there are other happenings, too. There are a couple of street dances, a rock-n-roll concert, a rally-run, and more. Downtown is a pretty hoppin’ place, to say the least, during Lost in the 50’s weekend. If you’re interested in seeing the cars, but don’t really feel up to beating the crowds, sit back and enjoy the Vintage Car Parade.

The parade takes place on Friday night, starting at 6pm. From the high school parking lot, the route follows Division Street north to Cedar, then east down Cedar and on to downtown. For our family, the best place to view the parade is at the library (corner of Division and Cedar). We’ve gone to this spot the past couple of years, because it’s within walking distance of our home, but also because the huge expanse of lawn is a great place for our daughter to play while we watch the parade.

This year we didn’t even think to bring a blanket to sit on, but luckily our friend did, which was a good thing as the ground was a little wet. We all arrived just a little early, and while the lawn was already packed with spectators, we had no problem finding a spot for our party of 13. The parade arrived in our location about a quarter after 6, and lasted for about 30 minutes.

This isn’t the type of parade with floats and huge character balloons and candy being flung into the crowds. Instead, the cars drive past, honking and revving their engines. Occasionally the audience is treated to the loud sound of backfire or flames shooting from tailpipes. And all the while, as the cars creep by, the crowd is cheering and whooping and hollering. Like a giant block party, this is a time when the community comes together and just has fun. This is a great event for all ages, and even if you’re not that into cars, you’ll still enjoy it. What a great way to kick off summer!

This particular weekend was unseasonably warm, and in years past it’s been cool and sometimes wet, so be prepared for any kind of weather! If you’re not into rowdy crowds or you are planning on attending the parade with your family/children, I recommend watching from the library. I’ve heard that watching the parade from downtown is a little bit of a different experience, if you catch my drift…

And, of course, the parade is a free event.