Shoppers brave the cold to experience Black Friday - KOTA Territory News

Shoppers brave the cold to experience Black Friday

Shoppers lined the sidewalk outside of Rapid City's Best Buy more than 24 hours before the big sales begun.

"I know it was 36 hours and counting when we came here at 4:00 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday), and the line hadn't started.  And then, we kind of lost track of time," said shopper Robin Sayle.

Sayle and other Black Friday bound shoppers came prepared.

"I had my air mattress out here, and I had a very good sleeping bag, and we watched TV all day," said shopper Jolene Hillstead.

Even in the cold November weather...

"I just can't feel my fingers anymore," said Hillstead with a laugh.

The determined bargain shoppers waited.

"Oh yeah it's worth it," said Sayle. "You just want to have a good deal." Hillstead added.

And when the clock struck midnight, the madness began.  Surprisingly, many shoppers said the deals weren't the only draw. Some braved the cold and stayed up late just for the experience.

"I had a total of 3 ½ hours of sleep starting off for the day.  We started off at Walmart and then we went to Target and waited outside in the huge line and went in and it was craziness and fun. I'm  doing it with my whole family so it's a fun adventure," said shopper Brianna Jenkins.

"It's exciting, there's a lot of neat people that come out and shop. And contrary to popular belief, you know, you get a few people that are a little upset.  But by and large, most people are out there having a good time," said Sears Merchandise Customer Assistant Rick Wanek.

While fatigue may be unavoidable on Black Friday, those who participate say that the good outweighs the bad.

"I'm planning on getting back up and going with my grandma at 6:00 a.m. for round two," said Jenkins with a laugh.