Mary Wolfe was one of dozens of business owners in and around Wallowa Lake getting ready for the onslaught of tourists this week.

Wolfe, the owners of Mad Mary’s in downtown Joseph, and her partner, Jeff Middleton, have been preparing the former restaurant adjacent to her shop to become an ice cream parlor.

“We operated the restaurant for several years, but it just became too much,” said Wolfe, a fifth-generation Wallowa County native. “This year, we decided to open Mad Mary’s Ice Cream Station.”

Umpqua Dairy in Roseburg will provide the ice cream. Wolfe said she hasn’t decided yet which 20 of the available flavors will be offered.

In addition to its checkerboard floor, the space is also home to a variety of collectibles courtesy of Middleton, including a Phillips 66 gas pump from 1936 and an Indian motorcycle.

Across the street, Becky Rushton is preparing for a busy summer. She and her husband, Scott, own Outlaw Restaurant and Saloon, in addition to two lodging businesses.

Becky, president of the Joseph Chamber of Commerce, is anticipating a busy summer, “better than last year.”

“There have been a lot of positive signs already, she added, noting the scheduling of two new community events in the area and at least one new business, a hot air balloon concession.

Downtown Joseph businesses will have one final opportunity to participate in a cleanup event Wednesday. The previously scheduled event was rained out.

On the shores of Wallowa Lake, summer is beginning to make an appearance after one of the worst winters in recent memory.

The smell of campafires has begun wafting through Wallowa Lake State Park as staff and volunteers work to assure those occupying the 200 campsites and two yurts are given the royal treatment.

Around the corner, the 150 horsepower electric motor that drives the 19,300-foot haul rope at the Wallowa Lake Tram began churning visitors to the top of Mt. Howard Saturday.

“There’s a lot more snow up there than usual, but we’re ready to go,” said Michael Lockhart, president of the company that operates the tram.

Constructed in 1970, it is the steepest vertical lift for a four passenger gondola in North America, rising roughly 4,000 feet.

Lockhart said the tram will operate weekends only in May and then move to daily treks in June.

Joseph Branch Railriders also opened Saturday, ferrying passengers by pedal-powered vehicles from Joseph to Enterprise and beyond.

Near the tram, the staff at Eagle Cap Chalets has been busy learning to operate a new coffee machine, which is the centerpiece for the operation’s coffee shop.

“Everything is ready,” said manager Joshua Marchlewski.

A number of rooms have been remodeled during the winter and bookings have been strong.

“We have a few spots open on weekdays, but not much left of the weekends,” said Marchlewski, who his beginning is second full year in his post.

In addition to lodging, the business also offers a miniature golf course and a concessions stand.

The sound of go-karts racing their way around the track greeted visitors at Wallowa Lake Karts Saturday. Testing of the vehicles was in full swing.

Proprieter Greg Jarman paused from his lawn trimming to say he was looking forward to a great summer. Besides go-karting, there is a mini golf course, an arcade, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a ping-pong table and a horseshoe pit, among other amenities.

Most excited about the start of the tourist season is Jarman’s Great Dane Conan.

“He loves the tourists,” Jarman noted. “He can’t wait for them to get here.”

NEW EVENTS FOR 2017

Pudget Sound Antique Airplane Tour

Forty vintage or classic planes will roar into Joseph Airport July 10. The visitors will be on hand 10 a.m. to noon, and the public is invited to come out and see the planes.

A barbecue with live music is planned 5:30 p.m. along with a raffle for rides in vintage aircraft. The event is hosted by the Northeast Oregon Aviation Foundation.

Back Country Bash

Three alternative country acts will take the stage at the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Grounds Aug. 5, part of the first-ever Back Country Bash. Cody Canada and the Departed will be headlining. Gates open at 3 p.m. and music begins at 4 p.m. A beer garden and food vendors will be available.

Tickets are $40 and are available at backcountrybashjoseph.com. The event is presented by the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Committee.