Al Cohen has been doing a yearly early bird sale at Big Al’s on Route One since 1988. On Saturday, Nov. 12, for Cohen and other participating merchants, the tradition of the Wiscasset Early Riser continues.

“It’s always fun to see the people stumble in, half-asleep,” Cohen said Friday. “We like seeing all of our friends.”

The store will be ready, freshly filled with as much new stock as can be fit into it. And while the early bird discount at Big Al’s runs from 7 to 9 a.m., Cohen said as long as you’re in by 9, you can shop as long as you want and still get the discount. Some of their costumers shop for hours, because the prices are so cheap, he explained.

Big Al’s Fireworks Outlet next door is also doing the early bird, but for coffee, go to Big Al’s Super Values.

One of the newer entries to the Wiscasset early bird is Moulinette at 60 Main Street. This will be its first early bird in its new space, next door to its prior location that opened in June 2015, owner Margot Sullivan said Saturday. She took part in last year’s event and is looking forward to this year’s. “It’s just very festive, and it’s a fun town event, and a fun village event, because so many people participate.”

Mulligan, Sullivan’s German shepherd with his own Facebook page, let out a yawn while lounging in his dog bed inside the store. He’ll be there Saturday morning for his admirers. “Some people just come in here to see him,” Sullivan added.

Asked how optimistic she was for the holiday shopping season the early bird event ushers in, Sullivan said, “I’m very optimistic.” Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay and, right in Wiscasset, a four-day “holiday marketplace” Dec. 7 - Dec. 10 should help draw people to the region and add to the festive mood for shopping, she said. Sullivan is on the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce committee organizing the marketplace event. Plans are still in the works, but expect cider, a gift-wrapping station and other features, she said. “It’s going to be awesome.”

Moulinette and some other businesses are running both early and late birds Saturday morning. And for the earliest of birds, DebraElizabeth’s at 78 Main Street is once again offering its biggest discount from 5:30 to 6 a.m. During that half-hour, to get the discount, you’ve got to be in true early bird attire: Pajamas. Treats at 80 Main Street also starts its early bird at 5:30 a.m. Bring your own mug for a free cup of coffee.

For more on the Wiscasset Early Riser, check out our Fall into the holiday season page.