MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Goodwill, located at 9315 State Ave., literally had lines outside its store before its doors opened Aug. 14, in anticipation of the start of its two-day “Western Days” sale.

“This is our eighth year of doing this,” said Goodwill Regional Manager Craig Ferguson, as customers sorted through tables, bins and aisles of western-style clothing and other gear. “We must have had 110 people waiting for us to open this morning.”

Ferguson explained that the sale has grown increasingly popular over the years, as customers from all across the region, and even other states, have come to browse through Goodwill’s selection of western wear and merchandise.

Doors opened at 8 a.m., one hour early, Aug 14-15, to accommodate the larger numbers of expected shoppers. On Aug. 14, from noon to 2 p.m., KMPS set up a radio station table outside of the Marysville Goodwill, so that shoppers could enter a free drawing to win tickets to see country music star Blake Shelton perform at the Evergreen State Fair on Sept. 1. Later that same day, from 6 to 8 p.m., a country band from Bellingham, called “Hoss,” entertained shoppers in the store.

Throughout the year, Goodwill collects many western-themed items, generously donated by people in the community, including a significant selection of cowboy hats and boots, belts and buckles, jewelry and furniture, and many other products, for sale at Goodwill’s low prices. Several horse saddles were also available this year.

The proceeds from the “Western Days” sale supports Goodwill’s free job training and education programs, that help low-income and under-served people in the community find work and support their families.

“Today is our busiest day of the year,” Marysville Goodwill Store Manager Duane Bredin said Aug. 14. “The sale is so popular because Goodwill is one of the few places where you can get great quality western gear at great prices, and people know their purchases are supporting a worthy cause in the community.”