For over a decade, Mercer County outdoor sports enthusiasts have heard rumors that Cabela's, the world's foremost outfitter, was going to establish a branch here in our community.

Sidney, Neb., is the home of the original Cabela's and, now, Pennsylvania can claim the newest Cabela's superstore.

The rumors first noted that a site was being investigated in the Grove City area near the outlet mall, but supposedly there was not enough available land.

Then, the company was rumored to be looking at property bordering Howard Johnson near Mercer, but water and sewage facilities were limited at the time. Some said that a huge monetary investment and local government support were two cooperatives that were necessary to bring in the Cabela's franchise.

The next rumor to surface was that Cabela's was looking at property in Warren County and Erie County. Feeling that our chances of having a Cabela's outlet in western Pennsylvania were gone, area sports persons planned their annual pilgrimages to Cabela's in Dundee, Mich., which is in close proximity to Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, etc.

030509