Nov 3, 2002 By Steve Ferris 5 min read

FARMINGTON – Almost 200 people were lined up at 8 a.m. and waited two hours in frigid mountain weather to be the first shoppers in Fayette County’s first large-scale outdoor shop, Woodlands Outdoor World. The 7,500 people who came by shuttle or parked in muddy makeshift parking lots by mid afternoon led retail operations director Todd Thomas to estimated that 15,000 shoppers might cross the threshold before the 9 p.m. closing.

Built by Joe Hardy Jr. adjacent to his Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, the store attracted so many that state police were assisting with traffic entering and exiting on Route 40.

“All day it’s been non-stop,” Thomas said. “This certainly exceeded my expectations. I’ve talked to people from Washington, D.C., and Ohio. They’re coming from everywhere. We had about 180 people waiting at the door to get in at 8 a.m.”

The store’s regular staff got some help from 25 employees from Hardy’s 84 Lumber Co.

To help feed the craving for hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear and apparel, Woodlands Outdoor World brought in celebrities like Babe Winkelman and Roland Martin to sign autographs and share a few tips, and representatives from all 50 manufacturers whose products are sold there to assist shoppers.

For Winkelman of Brainerd, Minn., it was rare promotional appearance made during hunting season, which is when he films hunts across the country for his “Outdoor Secrets” program.

“I don’t make many appearances any more during this time of year.” Winkelman said, during a break between autographing photos and talking shop with local sportsmen. “This time of year we’re filming hunts so heavy.”

He said he makes appearances in 20 cities a year, but mostly during the much longer fishing season when he films his “Good Fishing” programs.

“Seven days a week, 365 days a year just to keep up with the filming alone,” Winkelman said. “But I love it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

But he didn’t seem to mind taking a break from filming to visit a new store in a state steeped in hunting and fishing traditions.

“This facility has the right products and the right prices,” Winkelman said. “Premier stores like this are special. Especially right here in the heart of Pennsylvania hunting and fishing. It gives me a good chance to talk to folks. I like to help people understand the outdoors better and do it more often. It’s a great way to make a living.”

Because fans would call and ask how they could shoot or hook trophies like he bagged on his televisions shows, he came up with a free outdoor travel consultation service called Babe Winkelman Dream Trips.

“Fans call and ask who to find some of these places, so we do it,” Winkelman said. “It’s a free service. They tell us what kind of hunt they want. We give them places with the best odds and safety tips. If somebody asks about peacock bass fishing in South America, we tell them how to do it safely. You won’t make it out of some places (there) alive. We have 20 full-time employees who help people find big elk and fishing.”

Winkelman wasn’t the only outdoors celebrity at WOW.

Fishing icon Roland Martin conducted seminars on pattern fishing, Floyd Franke and former New York City Mayor Ed Koch presented fly tying demonstrations and fishing seminars, and shooting school owners Gil and Vicki Ash helped gun buyers select rifles and shotguns that fit them best.

Outdoors writer Ben Moyer of Farmington was there autographing copies of his book and answering hunting and fishing questions.

On Point Outfitters of Confluence held dog training demonstrations with of a couple of their bird dogs and held seminars on gun basics.

Members of the Lenape Nation provided educational entertainment. Jim Beer and The Nation demonstrated and interpreted Native American dancing and clothing.

Representatives from the Western Pennsylvania Anglers were on hand inviting people to the organization’s fourth annual fishing, hunting and outdoor show scheduled for Feb. 23 at the Perryopolis Auto Auction.

WPA Director David Show of Hopwood also said the Masters Walleye Circuit has started an eastern division and its first-ever tournament is next years.

Beginning in April, qualifying tournaments will be held in Lake Erie, Kinzua, Pymatuning, Mosquito Lake, Ohio, and the three rivers. The championship will be held in October at the point in Pittsburgh.

“This is the first opportunity for local anglers to get a taste of the pro circuit,” Show said, noting that Western Pennsylvania has some of best walleye fishing in the country. “Three of the top 25 walleye came from the Ohio River basin.”

For hunters and others who venture into the outdoors during fall and winter, WOW will have its own line of clothing, waders and sleeping bags containing an insulating material distributed by a Pittsburgh company.

The material, called Eliotex, was the insulator used in the 2002 Winter Olympics leather jackets worn by American and Canadian teams, said Michelle Griffith of Innovative Designs, which is marketing the product for the RMF Global Inc. of Pittsburgh.

She said it out performs popular clothing insulation like Gortex. Measuring .021 inches thick, Eliotex insulates at temperatures as low as -13 degrees and 8.8 ounces of the material can keep a 300-pound person afloat,

Currently, the product is found only in a thin sleeping bag that rolls up to the size of a football, but Griffith said WOW will soon carry apparel with the Eliotex.

She said it will withstand embroidering, perforation and is water-resistant.