By Michelle Ye Hee Lee | The Arizona Republic
TUSAYAN — More than a week into the partial federal government shutdown, this tourism-driven community feels almost like a ghost town.
Local businesses normally would be booming with commerce, catering to Grand Canyon National Park visitors in the October peak season. But since the shutdown forced the park to close early last week, visitors in town are noticeably sparse, save a few groups sporadically wandering through.
“Everyone just wants to go back to work,” said Colleen Burns, a tour guide who said her business is down “95 percent, easy. … We should be doing tours like crazy right now.”
An employee working at a steakhouse was sent home after 45 minutes. Businesses have converted to their winter schedules early, shutting down several hours before they normally would this time of year. Some park concession employees left to stay with family and friends — or left for good to find new jobs.
