Weather Won’t Dampen Tropical Fun of Barkaritaville Benefit

After being rescheduled twice due to severe weather earlier this spring, Barkaritaville will finally take place Saturday, Aug. 19, rain or shine.

The dates for Barkaritaville may have changed several times already, but there has been no changes in latitude or any changes in attitude.

The outdoor, tropical-themed supper party will be held beneath lighted tents set up at Honey Creek Landing and Marina in Grove. The attitude is still all about having fun while supporting a good cause.

Even the tropical theme remains the same. So much so that Jimmy Buffet himself would feel at home at Barkaritaville.

A fundraising benefit for Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake, the tropical-themed evening will include a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” dinner, live music and a charity auction.

The Parrot Steakhouse & Grill is hosting the second annual event, which will be held from 6 to 10 p.m.

“We’ve set up big tents on the far end of the parking lot, next to Highway 59,” said Terry Eskew, owner of The Parrot. “Volunteers will decorate the tents to give them an island atmosphere.”

Eskew and his staff will be cooking “cheeseburgers in paradise” outdoors during the event. Giving a nod to the tropical vibe, the big half-pound burgers will be topped with cheese, a slice of pineapple and jalapeño and served on a Hawaiian bun.

For “Cheeseburger in Paradise” traditionalists who like their burgers with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and big kosher pickles, Eskew said all those condiments will be available, as well as onions and more.

Of course, french-fried potatoes will also be served.

For dessert, The Parrot’s homemade pineapple upside down cake will complete the meal with a tropical flair.

Adult beverages, including cold beer, will be available at the cash bar.

Area residents and businesses have donated a variety of merchandise and other items for the Barkaritaville charity auction.

Some of the auction items to be featured at this year’s event include a four-burner barbecue grill, original artwork, dining and golf certificates, Oklahoma City Thunder tickets and a YMCA multi-family one-year membership (worth $500).

Attire for the evening is casual tropical and flip flops are encouraged.

Should the weather turn nasty this Saturday evening, Barkaritaville will be relocated to the Grove Civic Center, 1702 S. Main, in Grove. But the forecast looks good. Tents have already been set up and preparations are under way for the fundraising benefit.

Tickets are $40 a piece and are still available. They can be purchased at Second Chance Thrift Shop, 220 East 3rd St., Grove, The Parrot Steakhouse & Grill or online at www.doitforthepets.com.

Want to party the night away with your friends? Party tables for eight or more can be reserved by calling Theresa Swift at (918) 964-0088 or email her at tswift918@sbcglobal.net.

All for a Good Cause

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit, life-saving, private animal shelter, Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake has been working to provide a caring, safe and loving environment for abused and abandoned dogs and cats in the area since 1984.

In the last year, Second Chance Pet Rescue has saved nearly 800 neglected, abused and surrendered dogs and cats, finding them homes either through local adoption or transportation to out-of-state animal rescues for adoption.

Barkaritaville is the organization’s primary fundraiser and all proceeds benefit Second Chance Pet Rescue.

For more information on Barkaritaville, visit Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake’s website at doitforthedogs.com or its Facebook page.