Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou

Some may not know this, but the Cow Bayou Marina on Texas Avenue in Bridge City was the first place to reopen after Hurricane Ike in 2008.

Owner Tony Fuselier said workers were fed free barbecue after the storm.

Now the business has been remodeling and expanding and to celebrate, Fuselier will host a grand opening and fundraiser on May 4, 5 and 6 at the marina. Proceeds will go to the purchase of fireworks used on the old wooden bridge upriver and for hot dogs for the kids. The cover charge is $5 and attendees must BYOB, though there will be set-ups.

He added Steve Ringer helps with the financing of the fireworks every year.

“Come see the beautiful river,” he said. “We’ll eat, have music, there will be free hot dogs for the kids. There will be good Cajun food and barbecue. It’s like no other place around. People have to go to Kemah for something like this.

“Come enjoy yourself with us Cajuns.

The marina is adjacent to the historic Cow Bayou Swing Bridge.

Music will be provided by fiddle player Ralph Richardson, the Bayou Band and there will be karaoke. There will also be a comedy act from Beaumont on Saturday night.

Fuselier has outfitted the building with three insulated walls and with one sound board so not to disturb neighbors.

“It cost a lot of extra money to keep the sound down, There’s no windows on that side to keep the noise level down” Fuselier said.

The marina has a lounge upstairs and an outside deck where people can eat or dance.

In addition, the marina will offer free ice and lots of food.

Fuselier is a former music promoter who started the Cajun Music Awards. The first event was held at the Bob Bowers Port Arthur Civic Center.

He said he was curious why there were awards for other categories of music but none for Cajun music. Now, there are different chapters of the Cajun French Music Association from all over.

Fuselier added his wife, Karen, has been by his side for 23 years.

“We’re expecting a good crowd. Enjoy and have a good time,” he said.