MUNCY - While some brought coats and folding chairs as they waited in line for the holiday's best deals Thursday, others were in it for the long haul, bringing tents, camping stoves and portable DVD players.
Anthony Sims, of Toledo, Ohio, was one of those who decided to not take any chances with getting the season's deals as he set up camp outside Best Buy at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Sims along with his sons and in-laws have been doing so for the past few years.
"It's become a fun tradition," Sims said.
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RASHELLE CAREY/Sun-Gazette
Hasohn Harris, Connection Business Group Sales Associate, squeezes his way through crowded isles as he holds the “end of line” sign.
He admitted that Wednesday night's sleep wasn't the best he's ever had, as they made a tent to cover them as they slept in lawn chairs.
Sims said it especially was difficult because of the cold temperatures.
"I used to hunt with my dad so I'm used to being cold but it was very cold last night," he said.
But it would all be worth it once he had the opportunity to get his hands on a laptop, television and a blu-ray DVD player.
But while Sims and his family may have been some of the earliest in the area, they weren't the only ones looking for sales on Thanksgiving.
Bill Holmes, of Linden, had his turkey dinner around noon so he could get in line at 1 p.m. at Toys R Us.
He was looking for a Nintendo Wii U, and his goal was to "get in and get out."
Amber Lepley, of Williamsport, who was second in line, added that when shopping during the busiest shopping day of the season that everyone should have a plan.
"Know what you want before you get in there," she said, "so you don't get distracted."
While Sims had books and frisbees to pass the time during his stay at Best Buy, Holmes had a DVD player that he shared with those beside him in line.
"It's something to look at besides a watch," he noted.
Like Holmes, those at the front of the line at Target had early lunches to make sure they were done before the sales started.
"If you want to get what you want, you have to be the first however many people," said Todd Noll, of Milton.
For one group of friends who were waiting to get into Sears, they go around to different area stores throughout the night.
"We usually carry around the fliers all the time," said Amy Jacobs, of Hughesville.
But like most that were waiting in front of area stores before they opened, Lisa Gardner, of Muncy, said it's more about the experience than the actual shopping.
"The excitement. It's the raw excitement of being there," she said.
"The savings are OK but it's more of a tradition and experience," Holmes added.
