Shoppers, gawkers, singer, fiddlers flock to Cabela's grand opening

By Kevin Woster, Journal staff | Friday, August 08, 2008

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Rhett Akins was happy to greet his fans Thursday afternoon during the grand opening of Rapid City's new Cabela's store.

But he also was itching -- especially in his trigger finger -- to stop signing autographs and start shopping in the hunting sections.

"I love Cabela's," the country western singer/songwriter said during a brief break in CD signing. "I live to hunt. I hunt almost more than I perform."

Coming to Rapid City outside of South Dakota's fabled selection of hunting seasons, Akins had to limit this trip to performing. He did just that Thursday evening outside of the store, which was packed from the moment officials opened the doors shortly before 5 p.m.

Several thousand Cabela's fans were milling around like little live versions of the huge bronze buffalo sculpture that was unveiled just west of the entrance before the opening. The people poured in, streaming down aisles to scope -- yes, there were plenty of those -- out waders, rods, rifles, hiking boots and assorted other outdoor paraphernalia.

They also were offered free samples of wild game, including always-tasty elk meat and wild boar, which tastes a lot like ham (really).

Over in the camping section, local musicians Kenny Putnam and Boyd Bristow had just finished a set when fiddle master Putnam was asked why he wasn't playing.

"I'm waiting with baited breath," he said, with the grin of a 12-year-old.

Bristol, a former English teacher as well as singer-guitar player, then explained the meaning of "bated," along with its proper spelling. To which Putnam replied: "But, I fell headlong into the night-crawler section."

Serious or not, he wasn't alone. Cabela's fans were falling headlong in love with baits and bags and gizmos and gadgets all over the store. Jason Mez, a serious archery hunter from Sturgis, said he came to the opening primarily just to look around.

But he also expected to spend some money.

"Yeah, I'm sure I will," Mez said as he scrutinized a bow case.

Over in the fishing section, Dennis Wentworth of Rapid City was checking out the aquarium trout with his family when he was asked if he, too, was a Cabela's fan.

"I'm really a Gander Mountain guy. But they don't have one around here," the former Minnesotan said. "And I shop at Cabela's, too."

Some people were less interested in shopping than in simply being there for the event. Dean Beard, 80, of Rapid City said he had just about all the gear he needed at home but couldn't miss the opening. "I've been to about all the others around the country, and I had to see this one, too," he said. "I just like to come and see the people and look around the store."

There was plenty to look at, with live tunes, country music celebrities and a ribbon cutting that included Mayor Alan Hanks, Cabela's local and corporate officials and sculptor Jim Gilmore, who did the big buffalo.

It's the second bronze that Gilmore has done for Cabela's, which the Colorado artist considers the "ultimate compliment" to a wildlife sculptor. And how was the pay? Good enough that Gilmore claimed, with a smile, that he is finally earning back some of the money he has spent at Cabela's over the years.

"I'm going to have to do one more to break even," he said.

Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com