UPDATED: Shutdown Could Leave St. Croix River Tourist Money on the Table

Updated below. Fall tourism along the St. Croix River got an untimely crimp when the National Park Service's St. Croix National Scenic Riverway shut down with other parts of the federal government Tuesday. 

A study earlier this year said river visitors put $8.8 million into the local economy — but the Star Tribune reported Thursday on possible and real impacts from the shutdown. In St. Croix Falls, Riverway-hosted Autumn Fest events such as a mural and performances will go by the wayside.  

Update (9 p.m. Thursday): Catherine Veith-Bruno, executive director of Autumn Fest, clarified the festival's situation in an email: 

"Certainly, the National Park Service has a presence in our communities and they have canceled a number of events that coincide with our AutumnFest event coming up this weekend. But the fall colors will still be spectacular in the coming month and our communities and businesses are ready to welcome visitors to the area for fall. Our state parks are open on both sides of the river so you can still come out and experience fall in the St. Croix Valley with or without the National Park Service.! The St. Croix AutumnFest is continuing with the Arts and Craft Fair, Street Vendors, Food vendors and more.  Please visit www.FallsChamber.org/Events/St. Croix AutumnFest or www.scfaf.com for a list of all activities."  

How is the government shutdown or a downturn in seasonal tourism affecting you? Leave a comment below.