As usual, Maricopa showed up for opening day in a big way.

Big-box hardware chain The Home Depot hosted a soft opening today for an energetic crowd at its newest location, 42410 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, a prelude to tomorrow’s official grand opening.

The doors slid open at 5:45 p.m. and a deluge of excited customers pushing orange carts didn’t stop pouring in for at least 45 minutes.

That included Acacia Crossings resident Cheryl Bryant who had been waiting for the store to open since she moved to Maricopa in 2008. The Home Depot first announced it would expand into Maricopa in 2006.

“I’m very excited. I wanted to be first in line, but I wasn’t going to wait in the heat,” she said while browsing the garden section. “I’m kind of overwhelmed looking at everything.”

Maricopa Vice Mayor Amber Liermann also attended the soft opening, saying she was “thrilled” to meet employees.

“When Home Depot comes to your community, other great businesses and restaurants will follow,” she said.

She’s right. Since the home improvement giant announced its return last year, a handful of its competitors followed suit, including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Harbor Freight Tools and others.

The Home Depot officially opens tomorrow at 5 a.m. Information on hours, rental services and items in stock can be found on the store’s website.