Black Friday crowds appear in Republic

At five minutes until 6 a.m Black Friday morning, a crowd of more than 30 people gather in close quarters of the lobby of Lowe’s in Republic while the doors into the store are opened. Lowe’s accommodated the crowd with free cookies and coffee for those making the early entrance. A similar crowd could be found at Orscheln Farm and Home in Republic that morning, as a wide array of shoppers sought out the best bargains in town before sunrise. (Photo by Ryan Squibb)