Trio says 33 hours in line at Best Buy was worth it
From left, Lloyd Steinkamp, 51, of Bellmore, Ralph Rodriguez, 42, of Farmingdale, and Charles Ambrosio, 63, of Farmingdale, were the first three people in line at the Levittown Best Buy. Rodriguez and Ambrosio started the line at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Credit: Newsday / Lisa Du
Ralph Rodriguez, 42, of Farmingdale, was at the head of the line outside the Levittown Best Buy before the clock struck midnight and the store opened on Black Friday. He had lined up at 3 p.m. Wednesday with his father-in-law, Charles Ambrosio, 63.
"This is the first time we've gone all out," Rodriguez said. He was there to buy a 50-inch LED Toshiba flat-screen TV for $399 and a 40-inch flat-screen for $179.
Rodriguez said the 33-hour wait was worth it, and added that he was able to pull up his car and sleep in it Wednesday night to avoid the cold. About 11 others were also in line that night.
To stay entertained, Rodriguez said he played cards and Monopoly, and became friends with the others in line around him.
One of those new acquaintances was Lloyd Steinkamp, 51, of Bellmore, who was the third man in line.
"I had to be up front," Steinkamp said, noting that in the past he always arrived so late the best deal he could get was a blender.
Earlier Thursday evening, the group had enjoyed a dinner of turkey, stuffing and boxed wine.
"We're already planning next year with a tent and a heater," Rodriguez joked.
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