June 19 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
I almost had to pull out my calendar to make sure last weekend wasn’t a holiday weekend. I guess we’re the preferred destination for Father’s Day wishes. What an incredible gathering of people from everywhere scattered across the entire Grand Lake area! Fortunately, Mother Nature held her wrath until the middle of the night when there weren’t major events happening. The Toes in the Grand Festival was awesome. If you missed it, don’t think for a minute you’ve missed all the summer fun. This weekend is the Grand Jam Music Festival at Grand Meridian RV Park – and there are awesome events every weekend all summer long. Grand Lake has become mid-America’s playground, for sure!
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I was sure glad I opted for a nice evening at The Summit & Buffalo Bar last Friday night, though. I was among those privileged to witness another impromptu music-fest with superstar Toby Keith joining Terry Jordan at the piano to share a few tunes. I know we’re all thrilled that Toby is feeling better and is out sharing his talent and good times with his Monkey Island peeps.
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I was glad to see Golf Oklahoma Magazine set the record straight after Golf Week/USA Today rated Shangri-La Golf Club as the 4th best golf course non-members can play in Oklahoma. Golf Week put Karsten Creek, Jimmie Austin, and Cherokee Hills ahead of Shangri-La in their rankings. Ken MacLeod at Golf Oklahoma responded: “Karsten Creek charges close to $500 and had fewer than 500 ‘public rounds’ in 2022. Jimmie Austin only has a few foursomes a day available to non-members. Cherokee Hills is a severe challenge and the first seven holes are brutal. Shangri-La, particularly with the opening of the new Battlefield Par-3 has to be at the top of the rankings for public courses in Oklahoma!”
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Speaking of Shangri-La, kudos to the cornerstone of Grand Lake for another great honor. The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association last week awarded the RedBud Award to The Anchor Activity Park at Shangri-La as “The best new attraction in Oklahoma.”
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Sadly, another state has blown past Oklahoma because of the inability of our governor, legislature, and Native American tribes to get along. North Carolina’s Governor signed legislation last week legalizing sports betting in that state. They are the 29th state to do so. Oklahoma is in an increasingly small minority of states who have chosen to have us all just bet with one another, leaving stacks of potential state revenue on the table – or in the hands of bookies.
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We’re turning a big page on the calendar next week. This is the last week before the back-breaking five-day holiday weekend to celebrate Independence Day at Grand Lake. Get those crews out to clean up the downed trees and storm damage. Be sure your refrigerator is stocked, your beer coolers are full, and your boat is clean, running, and full of fuel…because company’s coming NEXT WEEK!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Gary Palu, Davis Hudiburg, Sharie Cox, Jim Chapman, Jeremy Mullen, Autumn Love, Jason Benson, Jason Morgan, Rob Stallings, Tammy Bailey, Joe Zaloudek, and Angella Johnson.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. The 6th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest at Grand Meridian RV Resort is Thursday-Saturday this week. Friday afternoon is “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.). Friday is also a Grand Lake Newcomer Club “Meet-n-Eat” gathering at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (4:00 p.m.). Saturday, get out your white clothes! It’s a “White Party” at the Drunken Rooster. Sunday morning is the “Owl Pickleball Mixed Doubles Tournament” at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La benefiting Fairland Basketball (8:00 a.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The phrase "dog days of summer" originated with the ancient Greeks' observation that the appearance of Sirius as the morning star heralded the onset of warmer weather. Sirius is the dominant feature in the constellation Canis Major -- the Big Dog. Hence, the "dog days."
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Superstar Dolly Parton collected three additions to her Guinness World Records list this month: 1) Longest span of No. 1 hits on the U.S. Top Country Albums Chart (female); 2) Most studio albums released by a female country singer; and 3) Most Top 10 entries on the U.S. Top Country Albums Chart (female). By the way, she already held seven other Guinness World Records.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: The inventor of the treadmill died at the age of 54.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I need to re-home a dog. It’s a small terrier and tends to bark a lot. If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll jump over my neighbor’s fence and get it for you.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Plagiarism: Getting in trouble for something you didn’t do.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: My neighbor just got arrested for growing marijuana. I guess my property line isn’t where I thought it was.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Peruvian owls hunt in pairs. That’s because they’re Inca hoots.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you’re deaf, what language do you think in?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I remind myself that you can’t always trust Google Maps.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Here’s the thing about rights – they’re not actually supposed to be voted on. That’s why they’re called rights.” – Rachel Maddow
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Toby Keith’s hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” hit #1 on the charts 30 years ago. For all you fans of The Beatles, musical icon Sir Paul McCartney turned 81 Sunday. Pat Sajak is retiring after 40 years as host of “Wheel of Fortune.” He is 76.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: With all the performers at Grand Lake this weekend, I’m not sure anyone is available to perform anywhere else! 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. Scott Musick performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Torn 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, it’s Grand Jam Music Festival weekend at Grand Meridian RV Park. The music kicks off Thursday night with Jake Marlin and The Reckless. Friday night, the line-up includes Colton Kro and The Murder, Lickitty Split, Vivian Blackfire, and Kristen Kelly. The fun starts again at 2:00 Saturday with multiple bands including Risky Business, Slide Bayou, a Tribute to the Troops at 6:00 followed by the George Brothers, Uncrowned Kings, Vivian Blackfire, and The Magen Faulconer Band, and wrapping up with a late-night Super Jam.
Matt Breitske kicks off the weekend Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill with The Hydramatics on stage Saturday night and Ryan Graham Sunday afternoon at 4:30. Barrett Lewis entertains Saturday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina. Downbeat will provide the musical entertainment Friday night at the Drunken Rooster, and Jumpsuit Love will take over Saturday night.
In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Pony Up Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday. Borrowed Money entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Libby Starks Saturday night.
Michele Warren kicks off the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Oreo Blue Friday night and Mayday by Midnight Saturday. Bobby DeGonia provides the Saturday night music at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West.
Sawyer Brown will be on stage Friday night at Downstream Casino’s Pavilion; and Nathan Timmel will be in concert Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace.
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: 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: The Bear premieres Thursday night on HULU. The new mini-series The Gold makes its debut Sunday on Paramount+. The new game show Claim to Fame is Monday night at 7:00 on ABC followed by the return of The Bachelorette at 8:00.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: No Hard Feelings and Asteroid City both debut in theaters Friday, joining Lightyear on the big screens.
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SAVE THE DATE: 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 – Bobberland Cove Concert (1:00 p.m.). 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, July 7 – “First Friday Wine Share” at The Flower Bar in Grove (6:00-7:30). 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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We’re wrapping up college baseball this week as the College World Series continues in Omaha. Coverage of the Championship Series is Saturday at 6:00, Sunday at 2:00 and, if a game 3 is necessary, Monday at 6:00.
PGA Golfers are in Connecticut this weekend for the Travelers Championship. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.
There’s some good pro baseball on TV this week, too. The Cardinals host the Cubs Saturday at noon and Sunday morning at 9:00. The Dodgers host the Texans for a couple of games, too – Saturday and Sunday at 6:00. The Mets face the Phillies Saturday at 3:00.
For pro football fans, we’re down to the final two weeks of the USFL season. It’s playoff weekend – game one is Saturday night at 7:00 on NBC. Game two is Sunday night at 6:00 on Fox.
NASCAR drivers are back in action this weekend. They’re in Nashville for a little Sunday night prime time racing. Coverage of The Ally 400 is Sunday evening at 6:00 on NBC.
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The forecast for the weekend ahead looks fantastic. 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