Lost in the ’50s: Schedule of Events

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Lost in the ‘50s weekend is often called the biggest party of the year in Sandpoint. It has served as the unofficial start to the busy season here in North Idaho for 34 years, kicking off summer with downtown parties, car shows, parades, live music, dancing and a celebration of the 1950s.

For those of you who are new to town, here’s a quick breakdown of this weekend’s events.

Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

Thursday, May 16
Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven XIV
Bonner County Fairgrounds
Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m.

This kickoff show to the weekend sells out nearly every year. Featuring a mix of some of the best 1950s celebrity music impersonators, 2019’s Rock n’ Roll Heaven XIV marks the 14th year they’ve been rocking it.

This year’s performers are Elvis, Girls Groups of the ‘40s through ‘60s, Jerry Lee and a new band “The Lovers.”

For ticket information, call (208) 263-9321.

Friday, May 17
Vintage Car Parade
Downtown Sandpoint
Parade starts at 6 p.m.

See those classic cars in action as they parade and prowl through the downtown Sandpoint streets. 

The parade begins east down Church Street then north up First Avenue and back west along Cedar Street. 

The Street Dance will immediately follow the parade downtown at Second Avenue and Main Street. This is a fun annual tradition that draws the young and old, the poodle skirts and the rolled up T-shirts. It’s totally free, and you can dress up or come as you are.

Friday Show and Dance Night
Bonner County Fairgrounds
Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.

Get ready to rock the house for the big show and dance night at the fairgrounds.

Charlie Thomas and the Drifters will be playing all their old favorites, including “Under the Boardwalk,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dane For Me,” and more of your doo-wop classics.

Also appearing Friday night will be famed rock n’ roll singer Freddy Cannon, whose biggest international hits include “Tallahassee Lassie,” “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” and “Palisades Park.”

As always, house band Rocky and the Rollers will be on hand to keep those hepcats and greasers dancing.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call (208) 263-9321.

Saturday, May 18
The Famous Car Show
Downtown Sandpoint
9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Downtown Sandpoint transforms into a classic car showroom as collectors from far and wide display their toys for the public to drool over. Everything from hot rods to unique finds will be parked all over downtown Sandpoint starting at 9:30 a.m. There will be live music, street food and fun events. It’s free, so come down and stroll along and look at all the cars.

Saturday Show and Dance Night
Bonner County Fairgrounds
Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m.

One last chance to dance the night away, featuring Little Anthony and the Imperials, whose hits include “Tears on My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out of My Head,” “Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop,” and more. They will be joined by the indefatigable Rocky and the Rollers.

Ticket information (208) 263-9321.

Second Ave. Pizza, 215 S. Second Ave. in Sandpoint, is the official headquarters of Lost in the ‘50s weekend, so don’t be afraid to stop by and buy a pizza pie to support their efforts.