That beach towel line does not surprise me in the slightest.
I go pick up the random gifts sometimes if I am in the area and have the time. I won't play for them but I often get offers for things you just have to show up to get. If they're useful I'll go pick them up. I've seen several hundred people in line for a food container set of dollar store level quantity (I turned around and left).
My most useful run in to pick up item was a Roku. I didn't know what it was at the time but my husband wanted it. The line for that one was minimal.