by Brian Keaney

Thousands gathered today for the grand opening of L.L. Bean, the first store at Legacy Place to open for business.  Downpours did not deter many from spending the night on the sidewalk outside the front door where the first 500 customers received gift cards worth up to $500.

“This was the best ever,” said store manager Carol Van Horne, who was attending her fourth opening.  “The people from Boston who come to L.L. Bean openings are amazing.”

Van Horne estimated that when doors opened there were 2,500 people standing in line.  Cathy Lincoln and her son Billy from Hingham were the first.  They set up their tent before noon next yesterday after shopping in an invitation only event for L.L. Bean credit card holders and other VIPs. 

Kayaking enthusiasts, the Lincolns had hoped to win the grand prize and purchase a new boat.  They each received a $25 gift card, but said it was still worth the wait. They did enter in a raffle for a kayak set up just inside the front door.

Brittany Dolloff, who lives nearby Legacy Place, was one of the lucky $500 card winners.  She said she was pleased with her unexpected windfall, but hadn’t yet decided what to purchase with her card.

Future Legacy Place tenant Whole Foods catered the overnight sidewalk gathering.  Around 11 p.m. they brought in pizzas, and at 5 a.m. L.L. Bean management began brewing coffee and handed out orange juice and pastries to the mostly soaked enthusiasts. 

Whole Foods is expected to open later this year. Town Economic Develop Director Karen O’Connell says spreading out the openings is good on both a practical level, helping to mitigate traffic, and will help to generate excitement for the 700,000 square foot lifestyle center. 

“It’s like a being a kid on Christmas,” O’Connell said.  “Everyone wants to know what’s in the next box.”

O’Connell added that L.L. Bean would help to promote Dedham as a destination for recreation and for shopping.  She said customers will be able to use many items they purchase at L.L. Bean on the nearby Wigwam Pond or on the Charles River.

L.L. Bean is offering classes in kayaking and fly fishing on Wigwam Pond this weekend, and is then partnering with the Recreation Department to offer clinics on August 4, 6, 18, 21, 25, 27, and 31 for youths and seniors.  They will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight on both Saturday and Sunday.

A few protesters from I.B.E.W. Local 103 stood on Providence Highway to protest what they said was not enough union construction workers, and traffic was a problem in the area during parts of the day.  There were complaints on both Twitter and on myDedham.org.  On the blog user michael212 said his two mile commute to Elm Street took more than 30 minutes today.  In the afternoon there was a three car accident involving a pregnant woman at the intersection of Enterprise Drive and Providence Highway.

L.L. Bean officials said they could not have been more pleased with how the opening went.

“It says something about L.L. Bean when we have an opening like this,” Van Horne said.  “It’s an event.”