FLORENCE, Ky. -- It's become an annual tradition that seems to come earlier and earlier every year: The Black Friday campouts start for some families before the Thanksgiving turkey is even in the oven.
Kathy Swartz has camped out for the past 10 Black Fridays. She and her family know how to brave the cold in comfort and style.
"We have a generator, we have plenty of gas so it doesn't go out on us. We have a tent/condo -- I have a bed in there," she said.
Like Swartz, Maxine Mills is waiting outside the Best Buy in Florence. She arrived Wednesday afternoon and admits it's sort of crazy. But the deals, she said, are more than worth the wait.
"The 49-inch TV that they have on sale for $149 ... almost a $500 TV," she said.
Click here to check out our complete Black Friday guide with ads from your favorite stores. Want even more deals? Check out the latest coupons and discounts from our circulars page at wcpo.com/ShopSmart.
Rick Smith, though, won the award for first in line. He arrived Tuesday afternoon.
"People hold your spot in line and you go get something to eat and use the restroom and stuff like that," he said. "Everybody works together pretty much."
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Swartz said the experience is much more than just waiting for the great deals: She goes for the fun of it.
"Last year, I came here and I didn't get anything for myself, but we had a good time," Swartz said. "We meet new people, sometimes it's the same people."
Best Buy opens at 5 p.m. Thursday and will stay open until 1 a.m. Here's a list of other opening times for major retailers.
