April 19 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
It must be April at Grand Lake. You almost have to look at your watch instead of the calendar to know when to hit the water or the golf course. This is one of those weeks where we run the thermometer through its paces – traveling from 28 degrees to 75 degrees in a matter of a few days. Welcome to Oklahoma!
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Enjoy the last weekend of April, but don’t use up all your energy because May will be rolling in with a roar next weekend. We’ll be burning socks, cruising old cars, going on scavenger hunts, expanding hours of operation, opening two clubs for the season (including a new one), celebrating at Kentucky Derby watch parties, and rolling in the musicians on a more regular entertainment schedule. What a way to kick off May! If you thought last year was busy at Grand Lake, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Grab a tight hold and get a faraway look in your eye, ‘cause it’s gonna be quite a ride this summer!
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There was another fun notch put on the Shangri-La calendar over the past weekend. If you followed the resort from its beginning, its early glory days, its financial troubles, its demise, and the sensational rebirth of the facility is a major destination point thanks to Eddy Gibbs, you’ll realize the ups and downs and re-ups experienced by perhaps the most loyal patrons in the history of the resort. The Marquart Golf Group from St. Louis returned to Shangri-La last weekend for the 32nd consecutive year! These days, it’s an entirely new attraction for the lake. This week, 17 Members of Congress from 13 states will gather at Shangri-La. The future attraction of travelers to Grand Lake is awesome!
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As we roll full speed toward swimsuit and flip-flop temperatures, I know you’ll want to be up to date on the latest trends and fads. This year, you’re gonna have to meet one of the challenges without me. The new “thing” this year, according to the people who either decide such things or keep track of such things, is – long fake toenails. No, thanks. I’m out on this one.
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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: This week is the first “Thursday Night Shrimp Boil & Karaoke” event of the year (6:00-9:00) at Doc’s Bar & Grill Patio. Shangri-La also begins weekly Saturday breakfast & lunch cook-out service this week on the south patio of the club house. Sunday Brunch is served to the public at Doc’s Bar & Grill (9:00-2:00) and Mulligans at Patricia Island (10:00-2:00). Doc’s will add Saturday Brunch service to their schedule May 1. The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La is now open to the public Sunday evenings for dinner service. Friday night at Playmakers in Grove, Rick DuBois will present a history of Polynesian drinks, complete with a tasting of Tiki punches. You can also try your hand at Polynesian dancing, led by Suzanne Boles. The fun starts at 7:30 at Playmakers. The new Blind Swine on Duck Creek opens at Harbors View Marina May 1, Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead opens May 1; and Eddy’s Lakeside Bar has set 2021 opening day as May 14.
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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday is the Grove Spring Job Fair (10:00-4:00) at the Grove Civic Center. Thursday is also the first weekly “Shrimp Boil & Karaoke” of the year at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La (5:00-9:00). Friday is the season’s first of the weekly “Yellow Rabbit Run” Horse Race competition at Shangri-La Golf Club (5:00). This is Civil War Historical Weekend at Har-Bar Village (Friday-Sunday). Saturday is the Wild for Spring opening of The Oasis (11:00-6:00). Saturday is also the “It’s Tee Time Golf Tournament” at The Coves Golf Club (9:00 a.m.). Sunday afternoon at 2:00, several retailers are participating in a Spring Fashion Show at Rustic Rehab in Grove.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Thursday Night Karaoke with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La this week. Friday night, Franklin Birt provides the live entertainment at Doc’s. KJ Flip will lead the karaoke fun Thursday night at Blind Swine. Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early Friday night (6:00) followed by Bad Decisions late. Saturday night, Diversity will be at the Swine, and KJ Flip will be back with Cocktails & Karaoke Sunday night. Terry Jordan entertains Friday & Saturday nights at The Summit at Shangri-La; and Saturday night is Karaoke with Tim at Monkey Island Pub.
In Grove, Brett N’ Terri will provide the entertainment Thursday night at The Regatta, followed by Zeke Daniels Friday night at Robbi Bell Saturday.
On South Grand Lake, Barrett Lewis provides the Friday night music at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Franklin Birt Saturday night.
Indigo Sky Casino this week presents The Juice in the Echo Bar Thursday night, followed by The Uncrowned Kings Friday and The Sidemen Saturday. Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar features music of Nathan Bryce & Loaded Dice Friday night and The Uncrowned Kings Saturday. At Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar, The Banned will be performing Friday night, and Hudson Drive will be featured Saturday.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: China produces more than half the world’s plums.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Baseball and softball are the only sports where the defense has the ball.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Don’t believe everything you think.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Right lane closed for no apparent reason.
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TWEET OF THE WEEK: You don’t’ see faith healers working in hospitals for the same reason you don’t see fortune tellers winning at casinos.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: A thief in France broke into an art museum, stole treasured paintings, got past security, and made his getaway. He was captured two blocks away when his van ran out of gas. Asked how he could pull off such an incredible heist, then make such a stupid mistake, he replied, “Monsieur, that is why I stole the paintings. I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh.” If you have De Gaulle to share this with friends, go for it. I shared it with you because I had nothing Toulouse. (special thanks to my pal Ron Young for this gem)
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I’m so old, I can remember going an entire day without taking a picture of anything.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Bernie Madoff, the financier who pleaded guilty to orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history, died in a federal prison last week. He was sent to prison at age 70 after he admitted swindling thousands of clients out of billions of dollars in investments over decades. His request for parole was denied last year. He died in prison at age 82.
Are you old enough to have been a fan of the TV show “Leave it to Beaver?” That’s pretty old. “Wally” – actor Tony Dow – turned 76 this week. “Beaver” – Jerry Mathers – is 72.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: I want to give a special shout-out to one of Grand Lake’s true treasures. Happy retirement to Special Judge Alicia Littlefield who stepped down from 25 years on the bench with a fun celebration at Doc’s Bar & Grill Saturday. Happy trails, Judge! Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Lissa Merillat, Boyd Ayer, Gary Anstine, Mark Wilburn, Travers Mahan, Don Douglas, Gaines Dittrich, Jim Forrester, Phil Carrott, Janet Bedford, Judy Dullea, Soohyun Jin, Nina Landers, Cindy Estes, Phil Snodgrass, Judi Barber, Mike Burnett, Brad Putman, and John Lewis.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: When people see you lying down with your eyes closed, why do they still ask, “Are you asleep?”
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new series, Rutherford Falls, debuts Thursday on Peacock. The 93rd Annual Academy Awards are live Sunday night at 7:00 and Sesame Street: 50 Years of Sunny Days will be televised Monday night at 7:00, both on ABC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Asset is a theater release this week and Mortal Kombat opens both in theaters and on HBO Max. Stowaway is available on NETFLIX Friday; and Vanquish, We Broke Up, and Murder Bury Win are all available for rent this week.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I don’t get nearly enough credit in life for all the things I manage not to say.” – Meg Rosoff
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, April 30 – CASA’s Cherish the Children Cruise Night at the Ottawa County Courthouse parking lot in Miami (6:00-9:00). Saturday, May 1 – Scavenger Hunt by land or water benefiting Ketchum Backpack Program, starting at Cedar Port Marina at 11:00, ending at Sharky’s at 8:00. Saturday, May 1 – Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Doc’s Bar & Grill (4:00-6:30). Saturday, May 1 – Burning of the Socks at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina at 4:00. Saturday, May 1 – Opening of Blind Swine at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina. Thursday, May 13 – Grove Chamber Members Luncheon at Grove Civic Center. Friday, May 14 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La Marina. Saturday, May 15 – Napa Nights at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Thursday, May 20 – Grove Chamber Business After Hours at The Regatta. Friday, May 21 – South Grand Lake Chamber Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday, May 22 – Mad Dog 2021 Critter Run bar crawl scavenger hunt on Monkey Island. Saturday, May 22 – Grand Opening Celebration at Marina Del Ray Resort (6:30). Monday, May 24 – Grove Chamber Trivia Night at The Regatta (6:00-8:00). Friday, May 28 – Grove Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast at Episcopal Church (8:00-9:15 a.m.). Saturday, May 29 – First Farmers Market of the Year at Grove Community Center. Saturday, June 5 – Camp Bandage at Grand Lake RV Resort (noon-4:00). Wednesday-Thursday, June 9-10 – SLWGA Shangri-La Tee Da Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Thursday-Sunday, June 10-13 – Toes in the Grand Festival at Sniders Campground and Wolf Creek Park. Saturday, June 12 – Daisy Dukes of Hazzard Party at Sharky’s. Friday, June 18 – Grove Rotary Club Lobsterfest at Grove Civic Center. Saturday, June 19 – Rock the Dock Concert at Check-In Bay (noon-5:00). Friday-Saturday, June 25-26 – Grand Jam Music Festival at Grand Meridian RV Park.
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SPORTS WATCH: It’s college football weekend in Oklahoma! The OSU Cowboys play their Spring Football Game Saturday at noon in Stillwater; and the OU Sooners play their Spring Game at 4:00 in Norman. The OU game will be televised on Bally Sports Oklahoma. There is no TV or video coverage of the OSU game, but it will be broadcast on the Cowboy Radio Network.
The PGA Tour heads to New Orleans this week (okay, Avondale, technically) for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Coverage begins on the Golf Channel at 2:30 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.
In the NBA, the OKC Thunder have a busy schedule. They’re on the road at Washington Monday (7:00) and Indiana Wednesday (6:00). They’re back home Friday night hosting Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards (7:00) before heading back out on the road to Philadelphia Monday (6:00) and Boston Tuesday (6:00). All games are on Bally Sports Oklahoma.
NASCAR drivers are Talladega Sunday afternoon for the GEICO 500. Coverage begins at 1:00 Sunday on Fox.
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Weather for the weekend ahead looks like April. Scattered thundershowers Friday but, otherwise, fair to partly cloudy with highs in the mid-60s. Saturday night might be a little chilly, but otherwise, low temperatures will be close to 50. By Sunday, we’ll be pushing toward Monday’s mid-70s. There’s a lot happening all around Grand Lake. Enjoy all we have for wonderful weekend fun. Remember, though, wherever you party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
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Looking for places to go, things to do, services to use or property to buy in the Grand Lake area? Here’s a starter kit listing of “open to the public” fun places to spend time at Grand Lake.
Ailey’s Café in Langley
Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley
Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café at Har-Ber Village
Café Yum in Grove
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina
Domino’s in Grove
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)
Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)
Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)
Monkey Island Trail Rides
Monkey Island Winery
Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove
Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove
Pappy’s Bar on Hwy 10 east of Grove
Pickles at the Lake in Langley
Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove
Pit Stop Café in Grove
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in Grove
Riggs & Company in Langley
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island (smoking...but not at lunch)
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)
The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)
The Pourhouse at The Regatta in Grove
The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)
The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)
Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (smoking)
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove
Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove