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Long lines form outside Colorado businesses selling eclipse glasses

Posted at 4:15 PM, Aug 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-18 20:54:17-04

BOULDER, Colo. -- The line for eclipse glasses at McGuckin Hardware in Boulder was so long it extended outside of the store on Friday. 

Hundreds of people lined up early hoping to get a pair of the special glasses as Aug. 21 nears. Approximately 2,000 were sold during a one-hour period earlier Friday, according to store officials.

The store has sold more than 30,000 in recent months.

"It snaked back and forth, throughout the department. We had donuts, we were offering donuts to people," said marketing manager Louise Garrels.

The store has also been selling a lot water tanks, gas cans and camping food as eclipse enthusiasts head to their viewing location.

"They're buying camping equipment, they're buying propane stoves," she said.

Friday morning was busy at the store as shoppers filled up on the necessities.

"Any other eclipse you've seen is like a paper cut. Total solar eclipse is like a shark bite," said William Thornburg, who is heading to Nebraska.

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