The line stretched all the way down the street Saturday as people waited patiently for the chance to say these words:
"I got a job!"
Raynesha Guy was among hundreds who walked away with new jobs at a job fair in Galveston for the renovated Pleasure Pier, which will feature rides, games, restaurants and more.
Pleasure Pier is named for the historic Pleasure Pier that was at the same site from 1943 until it was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961. The site more recently was home to the USS Flagship Hotel.
Crews have been hard at work to complete Pleasure Pier by early summer -- the height of Galveston's tourism season.
On Saturday, 350 Pleasure Pier positions were filled, including ride operators, game attendants, food and beverage staff, retail associates, grounds crew and mechanics.
"It's going to be crazy. We're going to be really, really busy, so it's going to a very fun and exciting place to work," said Jill Watson with Pleasure Pier.
Another 120 people were hired Saturday by a restaurant on Pleasure Pier -- Bubba Gump Seafood Company.
"It's keeping people who are from the island on the island. It's bringing not only college kids to the island back to work, but it's bringing good stable jobs back to the island," employer Jonathan Wascon said.
And it comes just in time.
"I've applied everywhere and I never get called back, so I'm hoping to get this one," applicant Ndidi Ibe said.
"The job market is real rough. You have to stay persistent. It's not going to come to you, you got to go out and get it. I got a family and we need it," applicant Elmo Hendon said.
The new jobs are bringing help the island needs as it rebuilds.
"It's time to work. Galveston is ready. We've been down since the storm and were ready to come back," applicant Luquiser Stinson said.
Not everyone who applied at the job fair found out if they got the position Saturday. Those applying for supervisory positions will have to go back for a second interview.
