Cabela’s celebrates 20 years at the Highlands with community event

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — Cabela’s will be celebrating 20 years at the Highlands this Saturday.

To commemorate the store as well as its contribution to the Highland’s growth, the community is invited to take part in an event filled with food trucks, music, and more.

Going back 20 years, the Highlands that we know and love was almost an industrial park – but that was before Cabela’s development changed everything.

Ohio County Commissioner Randy Wharton says once the well-known sports outfitter was introduced as a possible property, he and his team knew it was the only way to go.

“This was the perfect fit for the highlands and anything else would have not been. It was probably one of the first times in the history of this area and the state of West Virginia where you actually had elected officials taking charge of the development.”

Randy Wharton, Ohio County Commissioner

Executive director of Visit Wheeling Frank O’Brien was a 7-news reporter at the time, he recalls what it was like to be in the mix during the time of development.

“I can remember standing up at the highlands before they even broke ground and standing in a field and said – if you build it, they will come. They said if Cabela’s builds in an area, other businesses will try to flock around it because Cabela’s is what I could call a true destination retail.”

Frank O’Brien, executive director of Visit Wheeling

Wharton and O’Brien agree that it’s been a wonderful and unique experience watching the Highlands transform over the past two decades.

“The fact they’re here 20 years later and flourishing is a testament to that company and a testament to the people and the customers who frequent the shop.”

Randy Wharton, Ohio County Commissioner

“These commissioners delivered, and the proof is in the pudding, the Highlands is a great example of what can be done when people work together. Who knows what the future may hold?”

Frank O’Brien, executive director of Visit Wheeling

Thanks to a crucial retail decision, we can now look forward to businesses – both old and new – that will shape the Highlands for years to come.

For those who want to partake in the historic celebration, the event will be held at Cabela’s from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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