June 12 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
Between college softball, college baseball, tennis, horse racing, NBA basketball and NHL hockey, I don’t think we could have had a week of more exciting finishes. OU softballers made history by breaking virtually every record in the book and Jena Antonucci made history by becoming the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. This week brings an opportunity for even more exciting history-making with the college world series and the U.S. Open Golf Tournament.
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Aside from the college & pro sporting events, Grand Lakers were all about taking advantage of all our paradise has to offer. I felt sorry for a few event organizers who actually believed the TV meteorologists and canceled their Saturday events because of a rain forecast. Technically, I guess it rained – misted would be more accurate – for about an hour. Fortunately, most folks didn’t pay attention to the forecast. Clubs were packed, boaters were everywhere, and golfers filled the Shangri-La golf course for the two-day Monkey Island Masters. I watched those guys pretty closely. I’m not sure if they spent more time playing golf or partying – but I’m pretty sure they’re got in record amounts of both!
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Speaking of golf, Grand Lake got a lot of national publicity last week. Virtually all of the nation’s major golf publications were raving last week about The Battlefield, Shangri-La’s innovative new Par 3 golf course. Expect some more major coverage when the official Dedication Ceremonies celebrate the new course June 30. It should be a perfect kick-off for a gigantic Independence Day weekend at Grand Lake!
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In the “truth is stranger than fiction” category, a 24-year-old woman from Cushing, OK says she was impregnated by Big Foot! “It’s the only logical explanation,” she said. “My husband is sterile so we thought we couldn’t have kids. Now I’m pregnant and the only way this could happen is if Sasquatch was the daddy!” Surprisingly enough, her husband believes her, too. “I’ve got some strong words for that Sasquatch,” he warned. “And he won’t like hearing what I have to say, that’s for sure.” I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried!
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It’s been like old home week for me the past couple of weeks. David Bendel invited me to the 75th anniversary celebration of the Siegfried/Bendel families’ ownership of historic Whiskey Point on South Grand. He put together the perfect kind of party to draw a big crowd – free drinks! What a history that family has on Grand Lake…and all in the same location. Pretty darn cool! If that wasn’t enough, who should show up on my dock last week but the Woodard Hollow Waterspout?!! I hadn’t seen the ‘Spout in a long time. It was great to do a little reminiscing. I’ll always love his trademark line: “If it’s tourist season, why can’t we shoot ‘em?”
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Terry Barker, Leigh Bentley, Derrick Pelcher, Michael Junk, Eddie Estes, Miranda Fields, Judy Love, Ron Foster, Kevin Dennis, Kelly Rossman, Mary O’Dell, Charlie Apperson, Josh Russell, Mike Ward, Corey Bowker, Lisa Arizpe, Sandy Busch, and Kathy Mailot.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. Thursday afternoon is a Business After Hours at BancFirst in Grove (5:00-6:30). The huge Visions Off-Road event is underway at Mid-America Outdoors and continues through Sunday. This week is also the fabulous Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove Thursday-Sunday. Festivities begin with a carnival opening Thursday at 5:00. The festival itself opens at noon Friday with Thunder on Wolf Creek Boat Racing and a truck show, as well as a beer garden, and 100+ vendors in the 2 Hip Chicks Road Show. America’s Boating Club – Grand Lake will be on hand providing free lifejackets for kids (parents must be with them). There’s music Friday night and Saturday night. Thunder on Wolf Creek Finals start at noon Sunday.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Canadian group “Chad Allen and the Expressions” became known as “The Guess Who” after a publicity stunt by its record company, which tried to create a sense of mystery by printing "Guess Who?" on the label of the band's cover of "Shakin' All Over" by Johnny Kid and the Pirates.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: James Arness (Gunsmoke) and Lorne Greene (Bonanza) rode the same buckskin horse named “Danny” in their respective TV series. When “Gunsmoke” ended in 1975, Lorne Greene bought Danny.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Cher is the only artist to have a #1 hit on the Billboard Charts in every decade since the 1960s.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: If you get lost in the woods, find a possum and follow it. You will be in the middle of the road in no time.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: How to cook crack and clean a crab. (commas are important)
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: My wife wanted to go to one of those fancy restaurants where they prepare the food in front of you. So, I took her to Subway.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: “I hate tacos,” said no Juan ever.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How can cemeteries and funeral homes raise the price of funerals and blame it on the cost of living?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Just look at Beethoven. Everyone told him he would never be a musician, just because he was deaf. But did he listen?
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I drink to make other people more interesting.” – Ernest Hemingway
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The late musical artist Prince would have turned 65 this week. Televangelist and one time Presidential candidate Pat Robertson, founder of “The 700 Club,” died last week. He was 93. It has been fifty years since equine superstar Secretariat won the Triple Crown.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend fun kicks off at Doc’s Thursday night with Jason Morgan leading the karaoke fun at the Thursday night Shrimp Boil. Ryan Graham performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features The Fabulous 2-Man Band Saturday night. Terry Jordan entertains at The Summit Restaurant Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings. DJ K-Bandito hosts the weekend musical fun at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze Friday & Saturday nights; and across the street, there’s karaoke on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. DJ Kennedy brings Rockstar Karaoke fun to Monkey Island Pub Saturday night.
On South Grand Lake, Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill starts four days & nights of entertainment on Thursday this week with Randy Steele. Jacob Tobar performs Friday night at Mooney’s followed by The Barrett Lewis Band Saturday night and Royal Hellions Sunday afternoon at 4:30. Westin Horn entertains Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by House Party Saturday night. Empire will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at the Drunken Rooster.
In Grove, there is great live music at the Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park. Zimmeroo will be on stage at 5:00 Friday followed by 80’s & Out at 7:30. Saturday, Backwood Country performs at 5:00 followed by a grand finale by Ricochet at 7:30. Cory Lee will entertain at Blue Bluff Harbor Resort Saturday (6:00-9:00). There is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Hollywood Riot Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday. D’ Elegantz entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Morgan Squared Saturday night.
A&E Music kicks off the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Until Now Friday night and The Rumor Saturday. Playlist provides the Saturday night music at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West.
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Bella Donna’s features a Father’s Day Buffet this Sunday 11:00-4:00. The Shebang is now serving Sunday Brunch (9:00-2:00). Doc’s Bar & Grill offers a la carte breakfast Monday-Thursday, breakfast buffet Friday & Saturday, and Sunday Brunch 9:00-1:00. Blind Swine Duck Creek now offers all-you-can eat crab leg dinners on Wednesday evenings.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will be available on Paramount+ Thursday. The Walking Dead: Dead City airs Sunday night at 9:00 on AMC. Barmageddon is Monday night at 9:00 on USA.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Brian and Charles and Lightyear both debut in theaters Friday.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24 – 6th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest at Grand Meridian RV Resort. Friday, June 23 – Sippin’ & Stylin benefiting Santa’s Old Broads (style show, wine & liquor tasting) at Vista Tower Banquet Room on Monkey Island (4:00-7:00 p.m.). Saturday, June 24 – Get out your white clothes! “White Party” at the Drunken Rooster Sunday, June 25 – Owl Pickleball Mixed Doubles Tournament at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La benefiting Fairland Basketball (8:00 a.m.). Friday, June 30 – Grand Opening and Dedication Festivities at The Battlefield Par 3 Course at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.). Friday, June 30 – Glow Golf Challenge at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (9:00 p.m.). Friday, June 30 – Vinita Fireworks at Craig County Fairgrounds. Saturday, July 1 – Horse Creek Fireworks. Saturday, July 1 – Gran Tara Fireworks. Sunday, July 2 – Monkey Island Fireworks. Monday, July 3 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Monday, July 3 – City of Grove Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park. Monday, July 3 - Tuesday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks. Tuesday, July 1 – Jay Fireworks. Tuesday, July 4 – Miami Fireworks at Buffalo Run. Friday-Saturday, July 7-8 – Grand Lake Summer Expo at Craig County Community Center (9:00-6:00). Saturday-Sunday, July 8-9 – Kentucky Drag Boat Association races in Wolf Creek. Monday-Thursday, July 10-13 – Kids Summer Camp at The Anchor at Shangri-La. Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15 – Monkey Island Two-Man Best Ball Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Saturday, July 15 – Grove Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Car Show at Wolf Creek Park (8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).
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With OU’s three-peat of a National Championship in the books, the college sports focus turns to baseball this week. The College World Series gets underway Friday with the final remaining eight teams in the country. Games are scheduled daily at 1:00 ad 6:00 p.m.
It’s a huge week in the world of professional golf, as well. PGA Golfers are in Los Angeles this weekend for the U.S. Open. Coverage begins at 11:30 Thursday & Friday, and noon Sunday on the USA Network. NBC coverage begins Thursday & Friday at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.
There’s some good pro baseball on TV this week, too. The Texas Rangers host the L.A. Angels Thursday at 7:00. Saturday afternoon, it’ll be Kansas City hosting the Angels at 3:00.
For pro football fans, regular season play continues for the USFL. Pittsburgh is at New Jersey Saturday at noon followed by Birmingham at Memphis at 3:00. Sunday afternoon, Houston hosts New Orleans at 3:00; and the Sunday night game features Philadelphia at Michigan at 6:00.
There is no NASCAR racing this weekend.
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Weather looks great for the weekend ahead – but a little warmer than the past couple of weeks. High temperatures will be around 90 degrees with lows around 70. It looks like a great weekend to enjoy all Grand Lake has to offer – and that’s a lot! Always remember, though, wherever you decide to 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
Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley
Back Porch Ice Cream in Grove
Bailey’s Bistro at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)
Bella Donna’s at Honey Creek Landing Marina
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
Blue Cat Bistro at Har-Ber Village
BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café at Har-Ber Village
Café Yum in Grove
Casa Gutierrez in Grove
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Chubby’s Grill at On Target in Grove
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Copper’s Tea and Coffee House in Grove
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Cove Club in Langley
Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Domino’s in Grove
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill
E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina
Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek
Flower Bar in Grove
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek
Hero’s Deli 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
Keagan’s Coffee at Littlefield Corner
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
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Monkey Island RV Resort
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney
Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
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
Pier 13 Liquor Store 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)
R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in Grove
Regatta Restaurant & Bar at Sailboat Bridge, Grove
Riggs & Company in Langley
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island
Royal Liquor Store in Grove
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
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
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove