photo by: Mike Yoder

Makaela Mason, Lawrence, keeps the sun off her head after purchasing this sombrero for $1 at the Antique Mall during the annual Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Colorful sale dresses during the annual Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Kaylee West, 9, Shawnee, takes a break in front of a fan while shopping with her grandmother during the annual Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Racks of sale shoes during the annual Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Kevin Blocker, Topeka, displays his three pair of shoes he got on sale at Lids during the annual Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

photo by: Submitted photo I Anne Kealing

By 8:15 a.m., the Downtown Lawrence sidewalks were quickly becoming full with shoppers hunting for the best deals among the crowds and heat at the annual Sidewalk Sale.

photo by: Submitted Photo I Cathy Hamilton

In addition to shopping bargains, there are also snakes and other animals from the Topeka Zoo out at this year's Sidewalk Sale. Pictured here is Sarah, a constrctor.

photo by: Submitted photo I Anne Kealing

The Eldridge Hotel in Downtown Lawrence is one of several locations set up as cooling stations during the annual Sidewalk Sale. There will be water — and of course air conditioning — available for shoppers looking for a break.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Meghan McBride, Lawrence, in check out line with 7 dresses at 50% off. She was at Urban Outfitters before 5 am. The store opened before 5.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A crowd of shoppers comb through discount merchandise at Urban Outfitters in Downtown Lawrence. The popular national chain is known for having some of the best deals at the Sidewalk Sale. It opened before 5 a.m.

photo by: Submitted photo I Anne Kealing

People arrived in Downtown Lawrence early Thursday morning, but the crowds weren't too bad, except when you were standing in front of certain stores.

photo by: Photo submitted by Paulette Strong

Some of the "Knotty Knitters" installed their knit material at 5 a.m. in front of the Yarn Barn, 930 Mass., wrapping trees and parking meters with their yarn graffiti. Top row from left are Cheryl Koch, Laura Foust, Mary Lynn Farwell and Paulette Strong. Front row from left are Eileen Rogers and Francie Arnold. Other members not pictured are Nancy Beale, Sherry Kay, Connie Sollars, Terri Donahue and Terry Smith.