KNOXVILLE (WVLT) – The Friday after Thanksgiving is such a huge day for shopping, it’s known as Black Friday. But for many, waiting around for the post-turkey day sales was too stressful of an idea. That’s why they figured going out to the stores on Thanksgiving Day would be a much calmer way to officially kick off their own holiday shopping season.

A small tent city lined the sidewalk of the Bass Pro Shop in Sevier County, as many camped out overnight in order to take advantage of the mega store’s midnight sales specials.

Inside, many more found themselves on the opposite end of the shopping spectrum. They were trying to knock out their gift lists on the holiday in order to miss the Black Friday frenzy.

"There are people everywhere,” said Lauren Daniel of Knoxville. “They run you over and sometimes they're not nice,”

There were hundreds of shoppers of all ages and from all over who were taking part in the Thanksgiving Day sale.

"I'd rather come here and get the same sale price before the rush," said Jane Bowen, a shopper who was in town from Portland, Oregon.

Though not Black Friday, some of the holiday deals were great in their own right. Bass Pro was selling hoodie sweatshirts and blue jeans for as low as $10.00. Though the store was still crowded, it didn’t compare to the rush of shoppers that could be expected when the doors opened the next day.

"I don't think it's crowded yet,” said Cynthia Rhinehart of Lester, North Carolina. “If you think it's crowded now, just wait until tomorrow."

Other shoppers flocked to the Bass Pro Shop on their holiday to stock up for the recently opened deer season.

"Getting some stuff for my truck getting ready to go hunting tonight," said Cody Ball, a hunter and shopper.

Whether you're hunting, or getting ready for shopping on Black Friday, there are great deals in every corner. Here are just a few we have found.

- Bed, Bath, and Beyond is offering 20 percent off entire purchase.
- Belk has 15 percent off your entire purchase with a coupon.
- Best Buy has several “door busters” including $399.00 for 32 inch HDTV and $399.00 for a Playstation 3 package.
-Sears has more than 450 “door busters” including $99.00 for a Tom Tom GPS System and 50 percent off tools.
-Toys ‘R Us has 100 “door busters” at 50 percent off