This time last year, unhealthy smoke in the air from wildfires canceled the Sisters Folk Festival for the first time in 22 years. The cancellation was a final blow to local businesses that had struggled through a tough summer of threatening fires and a total solar eclipse that did not bring as many visitors as expected.

A year later, Sisters’ businesses are reporting a successful summer season, and crowds are filling the streets for the return of the Sisters Folk Festival, a roots and Americana-oriented event that draws thousands of people to venues downtown.

Ann Richardson, managing director of the folk festival, said wildfire smoke was the furthest thing from organizers’ minds last week as they set up the festival under blue skies.

“The nice thing is we are not even thinking about it,” Richardson said. “Last year, it was all the focus, and this year, it’s not even the focus.”

Richardson recalls having to meet daily with fire officials, before ultimately deciding to cancel the festival because of health concerns for patrons and musicians. In contrast, she has enjoyed a busy week working with the crew of volunteers to set up the festival.

“It’s business as usual, and everybody is just thrilled,” Richardson said.

Sisters experienced heavy wildfire smoke in August, and skies are a bit hazy this weekend for the folk festival, but those conditions have not slowed business this summer, said Judy Trego, executive director of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It didn’t have an impact this year on the economy in Sisters,” Trego said. “To be frank, people are getting used to the smoke, and they aren’t letting it inhibit their travel plans.”

Official numbers from businesses have not been compiled for the summer season, but Trego said, businesses say they are having a significant increase in sales.

“Some businesses are reporting it was the best summer they have had,” Trego said. “We are seeing an increase in overnight stays and an increase in visitor volume in Sisters.”

Sisters Mayor Chuck Ryan said overnight stays in the city have increased, as well this summer. The transient room tax collected in June was 24 percent higher than last year, and July had a 1 percent increase in transient room tax compared to 2017.

The numbers for August and September will be tallied later this year. Ryan said he expects to see a substantial increase.

“I don’t have data on that yet,” Ryan said. “But clearly, with the folk festival happening, that’s going to be good. We had a big August, and we will have a good September.”

Businesses in Sisters rely on the summer tourist traffic, and many experienced huge losses last summer.

Chris Wilder, owner of Sisters Log Furniture and Home Decor, said sales were down 50 percent last summer between the wildfires and the small crowds during the total solar eclipse.

Wilder said he was a bit nervous this August when the skies filled with wildfire smoke for a couple weeks, but his businesses weathered the smoke and has had an increase in visitors.

“Customer count is way up this year, and the customers are very happy,” Wilder said.

After a successful Labor Day at this store, Wilder said, he could sense the excitement in town as volunteers set up for the folk festival. He is expecting a busy weekend for his store.

“People are in a good mood,” Wilder said. “They are just having a good time.”

— Reporter: 541-617-7820, kspurr@bendbulletin.com