Kardashians hit Yonkers, to shrieks and cheers

Friday September 14, 2012 6:11 PM By Chris Serico

Photo credit: Faye Murman | The Kardashian sisters pose for fans at the Sears store at the Cross County Mall in Yonkers. (Sept. 14, 2012)

Security personnel puffed their chests, publicists waved their arms like air-traffic controllers and hundreds of fans squealed and cheered as Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian descended an escalator and strode onstage at a Sears in Yonkers' Cross County Shopping Center. 

"Thanks so much, we love you guys," said Khloe, wearing a black long-sleeved dress with a plunging neckline.

As Kim raised her mic, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined the sisters on stage to issue them a proclamation and thank them for attending the event.

PHOTOS: The Kardashians come to Yonkers | Kardashian Kollection at Sears | Photos: Kim Kardashian

The sisters, in town to promote their Kardashian Kollection merchandise, signed autographs for the first 200 fans who lined up with clothing and accessories from the sisters' line, with some fans arriving as early as 4 a.m. In addition to the lucky early birds, dozens of others lined up behind barriers set back from the stage, hoping to get a glimpse of the reality TV stars from afar.

The photography pit was crammed with more than two dozen reporters and photographers from throughout the tristate area, with one hyper-aggressive photographer getting kicked out by security for not checking in first.

Alajah Whitehead, a 16-year-old from Yonkers, made the cut, having arrived at the mall with her grandfather, Dennis Richmond, at 5:30 a.m. Whitehead skipped school for a chance to meet the sisters, and Richmond, 60, is a fan, too. “Even the old demographic watches the Kardashians,” he said, referring to the myriad of shows on E! He says Khloe is his favorite because “she seems like the one that’s the most down-to-earth.”

Carolina Gonzalez, a 3 ½-year-old from Somers who was closer to the front of the line, also counts Khloe as her favorite Kardashian “because she’s beautiful.” Her mom, Paula, a music teacher at PS 78 in the Bronx, lined up with her daughter and others at 4 a.m., rotating positions in line so that they could take care of school pickups and other errands. She likes the Kardashians because they’re “family-oriented and real.”

A couple, found sleeping against one another before being roused, wins the MVP for most miles travelled and most time spent in line. They made the 75 minute drive from Dutchess County, reaching the mall at midnight, sleeping in their car in a nearby Burger King parking lot. Teresa Kudrenetsky of Wingdale, 24, said that she doesn’t watch the Kardashian shows but is still a huge fan of Kim. “She looks beautiful in everything,” she said.

Kudrenetsky’s 21-year-old boyfriend from Brewster, Willis Weise, said he just came for the “experience.” But what if Kanye West, Kim’s boyfriend, showed up, too?

“I’d love that,” he said.

Photo: Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian sign autographs for fans at Sears in Yonkers' Cross County Shopping Center

Tags: Yonkers , Kardashians , Cross County Shopping Center , celebrities , TV