Some began their shopping hours before daybreak, others ventured out later, hoping the frenzied crowds from the early morning had dissipated.

Whatever time they ventured out, though, the collective mindset seemed set on those promised Black Friday bargains.

"We've been to everywhere," said Kandra Jackson, who began her shopping spree at about 6:30 a.m. With her was 8-year-old Abby Jackson. "I'm worn out. I'm ready to go home."

Jackson was loading her last bag as she stood outside Goody's around noon Friday. Both she and Abby Jackson were "very satisfied" with their purchases, most of which were clothes.

"We found the hoodies, we found a lot of different things," Kandra Jackson said.

From a JCPenney's bag, Abby Jackson exhibited some of her favorite items, a pair of Star Wars pajamas, blue jeans and a skateboarding shirt which became an early Christmas present for the young skateboarding enthusiast.

Outside Kmart, Maria May said she was finished with her Christmas shopping, except for some Xbox 360 games she had not been able to find.

"I'm done, actually, except for the games," she said.

May said her children are grown and since she does not have to buy toys, she did not want to fight the early morning crowds.

"I'm not doing the morning thing," she said. Still, it was disappointing not to find the games she wanted.

Eight-year-old Beverly and 7-year-old Haleigh Hutchinson did not have anything particular in mind when they began shopping. Each had some money to spend and were just looking for the best deals they could find. Accompanying the two were Kasey Hutchinson and Beverly Stanfield.

The group began shopping at 6:30 a.m. at Wal-Mart and ended at Kmart with multiple bags filling their car.

Beverly Hutchinson was able to find a doll she wanted, while Haleigh Hutchinson purchased a fish tank with all the necessary supplies.

Walking into Wal-Mart were Shelly and Travis Mullins from Letcher County who were visiting family in the area. They came specifically looking for a flatscreen television advertised for $248. However, because they were among the late shoppers, they could only hope to locate one.

"We probably lost out the deal," Shelly Mullins said.

Perhaps more evident this year than in past years was the security, which was beefed up most noticeably at Wal-Mart.

Maysville Police Officer T.C. Rice said only one on-duty police officer was actually out at the stores Friday morning and left by the afternoon.

Mason County Sheriff Patrick Boggs said other officers were hired by Wal-Mart to work and assist with crowd control. Those officers appeared in uniform and their official vehicles were outside, but Boggs said they were actually off duty.

Though many shoppers were enthusiastic about the deals and happy with their purchases, there were some who shopped only out of necessity.

"I hate shopping. I do not like Black Friday," said Paula Brown, who pushed a cart full of groceries out of Wal-Mart. "I hate crowds."

Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 272.

For more area news, visit www.maysville-online.com.