I was invited to an exclusive Best Buy Reward Zone event in the Edgewood neighborhood in Atlanta, GA on November 11, 2007.

Best Buy has a points reward program called Reward Zone, and, the good people at Best Buy invited me to a party to celebrate it (disclosure: my expenses were paid, and, they didn't request that I write anything specific about it).

I arrived in the evening as the store was closing, and, a line of hard-core Wii enthusiasts:

were lined up outside discussing store navigational strategies to acquire one of the 30 units Best Buy had on hand for this after hours Reward Zone sale.

I was greeted by the manager, Marshall Bronson:

who welcomed me in to watch the preparation for the festivities of the evening.

The store was abuzz with excitement as everyone was straightening and vacuuming to get things ready for the guests outside.

Under the watchful eye of the security force:

the employees really got into it It was a fun atmosphere, and, they even held a little pep rally to get everyone fired up. The district manager was even there, ready for action.

The big moment finally arrive, and, the doors opened. But, unlike some Black Friday sales shoppers, this crowd was orderly and calm:

There was much shopping had by all, with sales and door prizes all evening.

The Wii table ("Wii", not "wee". It was a full sized table) was even calm and orderly as people double checked that the ticket they got really enabled them to buy the coveted game system. "You mean all I need is this piece of paper? I can shop now without worrying about it?":

Man, I really, really, really want a Wii, but, cannot justify the purchase since it is worth more than my geriatric television. The television that will not die.

Anyway, I looked at nearly everything there, wishing I could have one of each. I spent at lot of time looking at cameras, and, the staff was very knowledgeable, there. I was impressed.

Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and, I really enjoyed my visit. I also came home with my wallet a little lighter as did most everyone in attendance.

You can join the Reward Zone program for free, and, make one qualifying purchase a year to keep your membership. You earn 1 point for nearly every $1 you spend at Best Buy or BestBuy.com.

Every time you earn 250 points, you get a $5 reward certificate to use in participating stores., so check it out today and start saving.

If you're in the Atlanta, GA area, Best Buy #896 in Edgewood rocks!