Savvy Pahrump shoppers were out early the day after Thanksgiving. And contrary to happenings in other parts of the country, there were no riots or shots fired. (See related story this page.)

Bargains were to be had everywhere. Niqi Kaahu and Judy Nicolaw were at Walmart at 4 a.m., waiting in line to buy toys for Nicolaw's six children. Lloyd Rowland found real bargains all over town, but said the best deal of all was getting 15 cents off each gallon as he pumped gas at Smith's.

At Home Depot, Gene Wickert scored a compound miter saw "at a great price" and Dru Gatter got a Christmas tree.

By far, the biggest crowd of shoppers gathered at Walmart. No one was shivering out in the cold waiting for the store to open. Instead, the store was full of people anticipating the 5 a.m. start of the sale.

Shoppers were lined up next to stacks of computers, flat screen television sets, giant trampolines and much, much more.

Only Santa's workshop could have been more enticing than the wide aisle next to the toy department, where hundreds of dolls and action figures were stacked.

That was Denise Hayes' destination when she arrived at Walmart at 3:30 a.m. At 5 a.m., it didn't take her long to fill her shopping cart to overflowing with colorful items for her 3-month- and 18-month-old children. "I am pretty much done with all my Christmas shopping. The money is really tight this year," Hayes said, putting a large $6 picture frame in her cart. "This is for mommy and daddy."

Jimmy Martinez arrived at 4 a.m. to buy a two-wheeler and a bike helmet as a surprise for his 7-year-old son.

Doreen and Ray Croteau wanted a good deal on bedding and left with a previously high ticket bedspread and other bedding, plus a cart stacked with sale towels. "We have a camera in there somewhere, too," said Doreen. "So we can take pictures when our room makeover is done."

Some of the most sought after items were piled high at the front entrance of the store usually reserved for displays of produce and grocery items, and shoppers edged close to get a good place in line. However, there was no pushing or shoving as sales associates stationed throughout the store directed people to the appropriate line. The atmosphere was more like a large social gathering overseen by store management.

Even so, people weren't taking any chances on getting the items they wanted.

Jason Calabreese arrived at 1 a.m. and was first in line to buy an HP Pavilion computer. He was followed at 3:30 a.m. by Jake and Shawna Ferrin. "I would rather have stayed at home and slept, but this is my first priority," said Jake.

Joanne Miller arrived at 4 a.m. with a decidedly upbeat attitude as she stood in line for a 42-inch TV. "I take off work to do this," she said. "This is a shopping frenzy and I love it. I do it every year. This makes my heart race. It's fun."

Meanwhile, 12-foot trampolines were almost bouncing themselves out the store's doors. Sabrina, who arrived at 3 a.m. to stand in line, was wrestling with two when an employee came to her aid: "One is mine and one is for my best friend," she said.

Cody Brock was in town from Las Vegas, visiting his mom, Lorri Richardson. "I am here for the food," he said. "Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful. Other than that, it would be TV dinners." Brock was waiting to look at guns and ammunition in the sporting goods department.

It was easy to spot the married males hovering slightly out of the main action in the store. The clues to their identity included: standing guard over one or more filled shopping carts, a slightly bored or amused look and, of course, the real giveaway: They carried purses.

Pahrump Valley High School P.E. teacher Bob Hopkins definitely fit that description, standing in a protected aisle waiting for his wife, Sarah, to buy toys for their grandchildren. "She's also looking for a camera and navigation system for our kids."

Hopkins said this was his third Black Friday and he and his wife had scored a 52-inch plasma TV on a previous shopping expedition.

Another good-hearted husband, Don Stout, described himself as "the idiot" while standing alone and guarding two shopping carts. His family arrived at 3:45 a.m. "Just shoot me," he said.

His wife, Rhonda, devised the family strategy and had sons Justin and Jordan Boyer in various parts of the store to get coveted items.

Out in the parking lot before the sun came up, people were still upbeat as they loaded their purchases. Lillian Murrin and Corey Richards had arrived at 3 a.m. and left with a full trunk. Court and Kaycie Connell, and nine-year-old son, Bryce, arrived "right at 5 a.m.," taking home 42-inch and 18-inch televisions, plus many toys.

John Hix was enthused with his newly purchased home theater package.

"We're buying stuff for our own home," he said. "My 'honey do' list just doubled, but we saved $600 on our Energy Star-rated TV because it has the advanced theater stuff included. These people are really nice. The staff here has always been gracious to us."