Record Store Day is held twice a year, with the main event typically falling on the third Saturday in April and a second date on Black Friday. The event is exclusive to independent record stores and is designed to draw customers in for a day of activities, live music and the chance to purchase limited-edition vinyl releases.

This year, Record Store Day fell on April 18, and my local shop — Indie Earth in Buffalo, Minnesota — had a full slate of events planned. A line formed as early as 5 a.m., and staff handed out wristbands at 8 a.m. that offered additional perks at nearby small businesses. The store opened at 10 a.m., with live music and giveaways continuing into the early afternoon.

This year, I had my eye on Taylor Swift’s exclusive 7-inch vinyl of her song “Elizabeth Taylor.” The glittery purple record was a must-have. Still, I wasn’t eager to wait in line in the early morning cold, so I left it to chance. At 9:50 a.m., the store’s owners went live on Instagram to show the layout, and I spotted the box with the record toward the back. When I drove by around 10:30 a.m. on my way to a family gathering, the line still stretched out the door. Without time to wait, I decided to try again later.

When I returned at 4 p.m., I assumed the record would be sold out. But at the back of the store, three copies were still available.

I was thrilled to get the exclusive vinyl without spending hours in line. Record Store Day offers a chance to support local businesses and pick up something special along the way.