Pocatello’s first Neon Fest brings history to light
Published at
POCATELLO — The Gate City will shine a little brighter this summer as it celebrates its first annual Neon Fest on July 11 and 12, spotlighting the legacy of neon and historic preservation in the heart of downtown.
Organized by Relight the Night, a volunteer committee under Historic Downtown Pocatello Inc., the two-day festival will feature a series of neon-themed events, culminating in the relighting of the restored Idaho Motel sign, a vintage gem that once welcomed travelers along South Fifth Avenue.
For several decades, the historic Idaho Motel provided a warm bed to visitors in Pocatello. Located between the 1100 blocks of South Fifth and South Fourth avenues across from Idaho State University, the motel’s roots trace back to 1938, and a portion of it still exists today as an apartment complex next to Taco Bell.
According to Randy Dixon, chairman of Relight the Night, the Law family started the Idaho Motel in 1938 and installed the neon sign in the early 1950s, an era when people with the USO (United Service Organizations) were visiting during World War II. They were a very predominant family who kept the motel going until 1976.
This information, along with more details, will be shared on a permanent plaque accompanying the sign’s installation, which will be officially unveiled during the relighting ceremony at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at Lookout Point in the heart of Historic Downtown Pocatello.
RELATED: Group hosting weekend event to help restore historic neon signs in downtown Pocatello
“The Idaho Motel sign is beautiful. Just wait until you see it all lit up. There are few signs in existence that feature the name of the state in the shape of the state,” said Dixon. “We’re fortunate to have people in our community, like the team at Blaze Sign Company, who make this possible. We know how to make classic neon signs happen—it’s what we do.”
Friday, July 11 — Art, Neon, and a Walking Tour
The Neon Fest kicks off on Friday evening with a neon-themed Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m., where downtown galleries, boutiques, and restaurants will feature special exhibits, music, food, and glowing surprises.
“Our success is based on what we know about historic preservation,” said Dixon. “This 1.6-mile walking tour is a great example of our tenacity and vision.”
At 8:30 p.m., attendees can take part in a guided Neon Sign Walking Tour, beginning at the iconic Chief Theater sign. The free tour highlights the growing collection of restored neon signage that has been brought back to life since the committee began its work in 2013.
Saturday, July 12 — Farmers Market, Live Music, and the Big Reveal
Saturday starts with a visit to the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market in Lookout Point, followed by shopping and exploring downtown businesses. However, the main event takes place that evening, when the community gathers for an electrifying night of festivities.
Starting at 5 p.m., Lookout Point will come alive with food trucks, neon drinks, kids’ activities, and more. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., local music legend Steve Eaton will perform live. Then at 8:30 p.m., all eyes will turn to the Idaho Motel sign as it lights up for the first time in decades.
What started with the relighting of the Chief Theater sign in 2013, the Idaho Motel sign marks the 22nd sign restored through Relight the Night’s efforts, supported by local businesses and volunteers. The restoration of sign is being funded in part by a grant from the Idaho Heritage Trust, with community donations covering the remainder.
While Relight the Night has had several substantial donations, but we still have a way to go. Donations can be made online or mailed to Relight the Night, PO Box 222, Pocatello, ID 83204.
“This is about historical preservation,” said Dixon. “As long as these signs shine brightly, the history that surrounds them will never be forgotten.”
Movie Under the Stars
Following the relighting, families are invited to stay for a special screening of Disney’s Cars — a fitting tribute to America’s roadside neon culture. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a nostalgic evening complete with popcorn, glow lights, and a sense of community spirit.
The inspiration behind Cars — the fictional town of Radiator Springs — was modeled after real-life destinations along historic Route 66, a stretch of highway known for its dazzling neon. In fact, Dixon recently presented Relight the Night’s work in Arcadia, Oklahoma, home to one of the largest private neon collections in the United States, helping to put Pocatello on the national map for neon restoration.
Dixon encourages everyone to mark Neon Fest on their calendar and to bring their entire family for this premier community event.
For more information, follow Pocatello’s 1st Annual Neon Fest on Facebook.