Fans of pop star sensation Carly Rae Jepsen starting camping out at the Mission Leisure Centre at dawn's early light on Tuesday to get free tickets to her Christmas hometown concert next week.

Hundreds of kids, tweens, teens, parents and even grandparents hunkered down in the facility's hall or out in the rain with sleeping bags, blankets and umbrellas to wait for a chance to see Mission's Idol on stage.

Many younger fans killed time decorating colourful signs or portraits dedicated to the 27-year-old singer.

Jepsen's Home for the Holidays concert, which is being sponsored by Target, is coming to the Clarke Theatre on Monday.

Target arranged for 500 tickets to be distributed - one per person in line - at the centre's arena entrance on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

So people waiting wouldn't be disappointed, Target representatives handed out red wristbands to signify who would get tickets, but everyone had to stay in line for the duration.

Mission mom Brenda Formosa was heading a pack of seven teens that included her two daughters.

They began camping out at the arena at 5:30 a.m.

Their hallway corner was riddled with blankets, pillows, school supplies and take-out food containers.

Tickets for a Jepsen concert made the long wait and taking the kids out of school worthwhile, Formosa said.

"She's such a nice girl and a positive thing for Mission and the kids can relate to her," she said.

"The kids had good grades and they need to be rewarded for making good choices."

Lorrie and Don Emary, who also had their two kids and five others in tow, were also cheerful despite having been huddled under umbrellas outside since noon.

"The secret is lots of hot chocolate," said Don.

They proudly waved their bright red wristbands.

It was worth supporting someone from Mission that was doing well, said Lorrie.

"We recently saw her with Justin Bieber and she was great!"

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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