Early Target Turnout for Sampler Release Declines in 2011

While hundreds could be seen standing in the cold for this year's Cities 97 Sampler CD, once the crowd was let in and the rush subsided, workers were left scratching their heads.

"Is that it?" one sales team member asked another.

"I think so. I can't believe there are this many left," she replied.

, compared to the 910 copies the store received last year, workers and shoppers were stunned by the nearly 175 copies still waiting for buyers after all those in line got through. . Workers didn't comment on why turnout was lower this year.

While early turnout was low, the CD will nonetheless sell out at some point Thursday and there were still some very happy customers.

"I'm getting the CD for my mom ... and for a coworker for his dad in California," Adam Lawrence of Bloomington told Patch as he waited for the doors to open. "My mom loves [the cause] ... Why wouldn't I stand in line for my mom?"

Lawrence was first in line, getting to the store at 5 a.m. Behind him was Brady Schmidt, who took turns with his wife standing in the cold.

"She had to go to work so I tagged in at 6:30 a.m.," Schmidt said. "There's some great music [this year]."

In addition, there was a two-CD-limit for customers and, since all who stood in line had gone through, people were able to go back for more.

All proceeds go to various Minnesota charities. When all copies are sold, the donation to those charities will be roughly $800,000.