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Cabela’s Opens in Hazelwood; Expects To Draw Many Outdoor Enthusiasts From Multi-state Area
An aquarium at Cabela’s at St. Louis Mills —JANE BANASZEK PHOTO
STORY BYJEANETTE EBERLIN RIZZELLO
The new Cabela’s facility at St. Louis Mills in Hazelwood was “welcomed with open arms” at its VIP ribbon cutting, ceremonies last Thursday, April 12. The facility was opened to the public on April 13.
Cabela’s, known nationally as the “World’s Foremost Outfitter” of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, was welcomed by state and local officials and community leaders from all parts of Missouri and North St. Louis County.
Attending the outdoor ceremony, a large crowd of invited guests and Cabela’s employees filled the parking lot and stood patiently in the 30 degree temperature and cold, blowing winds.
After the raising of the flag by VFW Post 2866’s Color Guard and Jackie Smith, former St. Louis member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, singing the National Anthem, Emcee Dick Fleming, president of the St. Louis Commerce and Regional Association (RCGA), introduced the invited speakers.
State Representative Clint Zweifel, D-78th, said: “This is a great day for the City of Hazelwood. It’s a success story that is now unfolding. This community is made up of dedicated individuals making development in this area happen. This is a strong message of the vitality of North County.” The Mills Mall is in District 78.
Hazelwood Mayor T. R. Carr told the crowd, “We welcome Cabela’s to the St. Louis Mills; this is a great day for Hazelwood and the St. Louis region. This is the result of the hard work of a lot of individuals, Cabela’s staff, Mills Mall staff, the Hazelwood City Council, the Hazelwood City Plan Commission, and the Hazelwod City Staff.
“Cabela’s is a major destination for outdoor enthusiasts from a multistate area,” Mayor Carr said. Following up on Mayor Carr’s remarks, David R. Reed, general manager of the St. Louis Mills expressed a welcome sentiment.
“This is a trophy catch for Cabela’s and the City of Hazelwood. Cabela’s and the St. Louis Mills are a perfect match. Visitors can find quality shopping, entertainment and education at the St. Louis Mills.”
In addition to community leaders and businessmen, and, of course, Casey Robinson, Miss Hazelwood, among the invited guests attending were mayors from Florissant, Black Jack, Dellwood, Normandy and Bridgeton. Also in attendance were officials from those cities and St. John, Overland and St. Charles.
A highlight of the afternoon activities was the unveiling of a sculpture of a life size white tail deer by sculptor John Parsons. Parsons said he was honored to have done the sculpture; he had done another piece in their store in Lonista, Nebraska.
The Mills Mall Cabela’s is the 19th store in the chain. Officials claim the 130,000 square foot showroom “brings the great outdoors indoors .”
And bring it indoors it does. As visitors approached the center of the store, they were faced with a stunning replica of a two-story high mountain with all kinds of life-like animals. Visitors could see native fish in the 50 thousand gallon walk- through aquarium including an alligator snapping turtle tank.
Other highlights include a laser arcade, furniture department, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and boating gear as well as outdoor clothing, general store and gift shop.
