County chambers to welcome new fair venue

Fair warning: Want to lasso a look at the newest addition to the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo grounds at Jack Brooks Park in Hitchcock? Several chambers of commerce have planned a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. March 13 at the park to show off the new 16,000-square-foot entertainment pavilion.

The covered pavilion, which cost about $300,000 to build, is open on three sides and will be a venue for bands and special events. The pavilion was paid for by the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Association, which leases about 60 of the park’s 682 acres. No tax dollars were used in the construction.

The association, which took out a loan to pay for the building, expects to generate enough revenue from ticket sales at future fairs to pay off the building in the next 10 years or so, Paul Tibaldo, president of the association, said. The association also uses ticket proceeds to help pay about $40,000 each year in scholarships to area students.

Crews are putting finishing touches on the pavilion, which should be ready for the fair, which is April 9-17.

The March 13 ribbon cutting is open to the public. Hot dogs, chips, cakes and lemonade will be served. Participating chambers of commerce include those in Friendswood, Galveston, Hitchcock, North Galveston County and Texas City-La Marque.

The fair draws about 60,000 visitors a year and often is a boon for area stores, gas stations and restaurants. The fair grounds are at the state Highway 6 entrance of the park.

Don’t fuhgeddaboutit: Did anyone else notice that Bada Bing! has finally opened in the Bay Colony Town Center? The eatery, in the retail center anchored by grocer H-E-B at Interstate 45 and FM 646 in League City, serves up everything from Sausage Bruschetta to Lobster Ravioli to homemade desserts and gelato. And don’t forget the pizza.

One online reviewer opined: “The selection here is amazing. Their pizza, pasta and sandwiches are the best that I have had in quite a long time. Nothing here is too expensive and there is something for everyone ... .”

For information, call 281-337-0819 or visit http://badabingpizzapasta.com. Want to talk about it? Head to BuzzBlog at galvnews.com.

Frankly speaking: Officials with the Houston headquarters of restaurant chain James Coney Island, known for hot dogs and other fast-food fare, aren’t returning phone calls about reports that company representatives were spotted checking out the vacant Texas Dairy and Grill building at 26th Street and Broadway on the island. Stay tuned.

This is rich: Spa treatments that sound good enough to eat? That’s what’s on the menu at the freshly opened Lulu’s Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach on the island’s West End.

Lulu and Frank Benavidez, who own the popular Lulu’s The Salon & Spa, 5205 Ave. U, in Galveston, are managing the spa at Diamond Beach, the pale pink $55 million condominiums on 8.5 acres on the seawall’s western edge.

Lulu’ Chocolate Spa is open Fridays and Saturdays but likely will extend hours as business progresses.

Spa treatments boast such decadent names as “Dark & Rich,” a deep-tissue massage, or “Chocolate Fix,” a Swedish massage with chocolate-scented oils. The spa also uses coffee in its treatments, including in detoxifying and anti-cellulite wraps.

For information, call 409-740-2462.

Buzz cuts: In more beauty news, island hairdresser Rouz Akhras has opened Rouz Hair Salon, 2001 61st St. The shop offers cuts for women and men. For information, call 409-457-2996.

Cruise news: Is this a business match made in heaven? Island-based salon Happy Pretty You! now is offering a service for brides getting married on cruise ships that sail out of Galveston, reports owner Annie Willow. The salon is booking appointments either on the ship or at the salon, 509 Eighth St. For information, call 409-765-5502.