June 5 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
I couldn’t help but laugh when someone posted on a local social media site, “Why is there a mile-long line of cars going into Grove. What’s going on?” The answer is pretty simple: it’s summertime at Grand Lake! You’re not the only one who wants to hang out in paradise.
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Boaters, golfers, gamers, swimmers, campers – they’re ALL back at the lake now that school is out for most everyone. It takes a little adjustment to see so many boats on the lake during the week, but it’s great for the local economy. Those of us who live here full-time are certainly privileged to spend every day at the biggest destination spot for those who pick Grand Lake as their “get away from reality” spot. The rest of us don’t even know what reality is! And we don’t want to know!
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The extracurricular Grand Lake entertainment bonanza is just getting underway. The American Heritage Music Festival is this weekend. The Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park is next week, and the Grand Jam Music Festival at Grand Meridian RV Park is the week after next. Then, it’ll be 4th of July weekend, followed by Aquapalooza July 15! The fun never lets up at Grand Lake. If you’re just visiting the lake, you might want to make arrangements to stay!
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I continue to be confused about this “commemorative money” scam, but I did not respond to the full-page Bradford Mint ad in the Tulsa World Sunday offering me a “Commemorative Trump $2 bill” for $39.99. If I feel the need for a $2 bill, I think I’ll just stop by the bank and get a commemorative Thomas Jefferson model for two dollars.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Congratulations to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, each overwhelmingly re-elected over three opponents each. Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Don Davis, David Moore, Bill Pettit, Marnie Pettit, Matt Nash, Ron Young, Lindsay Shumaker, Amy Chapman, Lynn Bowker, Blair Philbrick, and Amy Kennedy. A very special happy birthday wish goes out to longtime Grand Laker and former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh who turns 96 years young on Friday.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. The American Heritage Music Festival is this week. It gets underway Thursday evening (7:00) at Snider’s Campground and continues Friday & Saturday at Har-Ber Village. Friday evening is the first Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise at Shangri-La Marina (7:00 p.m.) and the Barkaritaville fundraiser at Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove (6:30-10:00). The Monkey Island Masters Golf Tournament is Saturday & Sunday at Shangri-La Golf Club. Saturday morning is the weekly Farmer’s Market at the Grove City Hall lawn (9:00-2:00). Also Saturday, the Grand Lake Sailing Club hosts an open house celebrating 50 years (noon-3:00). Next week, the huge Visions Off-Road event gets underway at Mid-America Outdoors (June 12-18).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The first metal baseball bat was patented in 1924 but never commercially produced.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: All of the conference rooms at Shangri-La’s resort hotel are named after someone who had tremendous impact on the development of Grand Lake or the early days of growth and economic impact of Shangri-La: Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Holderman, W.R. Holway, Margaret Warner, Charles Davis, George Overton, George Nigh.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: The most expensive mansion in California history sold in 2019 to Lachlan Murdoch for about $150 million. Built in 1933, the mansion is best known for its role as the Clampett family home in the 1960s sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I still don’t know what you’re supposed to comment under a photo of a new baby, but I’ve learned it isn’t “Yikes!”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: I married my wife for her looks, but not the ones I’ve been getting lately.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: It’s unsticking your thighs from plastic seats season.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: According to Greek Mythology, Chiron was a half horse, half human doctor. This made him the Centaur for Disease Control.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: When people in France cuss, do they say “Pardon my English”?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Aging gracefully is an art. Aging disgracefully is an absolute blast!
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work.” – Lee Trevino
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: With the NBA Championship finals underway, it is worth remembering that Larry Bird won the Rookie of the Year Award, beating out Magic Johnson – 43 years ago! It has now been 20 years since a small clownfish named Nemo swam into the hearts of moviegoers. Actor Morgan Freeman is celebrating his 86th birthday. And happy birthday to “The Beaver.” Actor Jerry Mathers turned 75 this week.
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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. Gusto Dave Jackson performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features 3 Dollar Rocket 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 including Southern Accents Saturday night; 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 Wilkie Jay. Clint & Frank perform Friday night at Mooney’s followed by The Pearson Brothers Saturday night and Barrett Lewis Sunday afternoon at 4:30. Whiskey Poet Society entertains Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by Empire Saturday night. Erin Fitzgibbon will provide the musical entertainment Friday night at the Drunken Rooster, followed by RocKFiscH Saturday night. Magen Faulconer will entertain Sunday evening at Blind Swine on Duck Creek.
In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Western Justice Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday. Morgan Squared will entertain Friday night at the Barkaritaville fundraiser for 2nd Chance Pet Rescue at Grove’s Hilltop Inn & Suites (6:30-10:00). The Cliff Boone Band entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Audio Crush Saturday night – and DJ Gragg next Wednesday evening.
Jon Dooly kicks off the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Brent Giddens Friday night and A&E Music Saturday. Dewayne & Amy provide the Saturday night music at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West.
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: The Shebang is now serving Sunday Brunch (9:00-2:00). BOOM at The Regatta is now open seven days a week. Grand Lakers have two Shrimp Boil opportunities each week through the season – Thursday evening at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La, and Friday evenings at Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Harbors View Marina. Blind Swine Duck Creek also now offers all-you-can-eat fish fry Thursday evenings and all-you-can-eat fajitas Saturday evenings. Keagan’s Coffee is open at Littlefield Corner. The Saturday Market in Langley has moved to a new location just north of Reasor’s.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new season of Yellowstone is now streaming on Peacock. Music icon John Legend will be the featured guest on Sunday Today next Sunday at 7:00 a.m. on NBC. The 76th Annual Tony Awards air Sunday night at 7:00 on CBS. Barmageddon is Monday night at 9:00 on USA. Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact is available next Tuesday on NETFLIX.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts opens in movie theaters Friday, and The Little Mermaid is still a huge theater attraction. Avatar: The Way of Water debuts Wednesday on Disney+.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18 – Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. 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. 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. 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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Softball is a hot topic this week in Oklahoma. The Women’s College World Series wraps up in Oklahoma City with the Championship Finals series Wednesday (7:00), Thursday (6:30), and Friday, if necessary (7:00).
The NCAA baseball competition moves to the Super Regional round this week, with games scheduled Friday-Monday. The College World Series begins Thursday, June 15.
We’re playing for all the marbles in both the NBA and the NHL. The NBA Championship series has Denver at Miami Wednesday and Friday (7:30). If necessary, Miami will be in Denver for game five Monday. The NHL Stanley Cup competition is also down to two teams – Florida hosts Las Vegas Thursday and Saturday at 7:00. If necessary, the action moves to Las Vegas next Tuesday for game five.
NASCAR drivers are in Sonoma this week for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Coverage begins Sunday afternoon at 2:30 on Fox.
PGA Golfers are in Toronto this weekend for The RBC Canadian Open. Coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday & Friday and 11:30 Saturday and Sunday mornings on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 1:30 Saturday & Sunday.
Tennis fans are tuned in to the French Open this week. The women’s final is Saturday at 9:00 a.m. with the Men’s final scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:00, both on NBC.
It’s another big week for horse racing fans. The Belmont Stakes runs Saturday with coverage beginning at 4:00 on NBC. Actual post time is 5:50.
There’s some good pro baseball on TV this week, too. The Yankees host the Red Sox Saturday at 6:30 and Sunday at 6:00. Next Tuesday, it’s the “Subway Series” with the Mets hosting the Yankees at 6:00.
For pro football fans, regular season play continues for the USFL. Michigan is at Pittsburgh Saturday morning at 11:00 and Memphis hosts New Orleans at 2:00. Sunday, Birmingham is at Houston at 1:00 and New Jersey hosts Philadelphia at 6:00.
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Weather looks great for the weekend ahead. Aside from a chance of scattered showers here and there Sunday, we’ll have sunshine with a few clouds, high temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s and lows in the mid-to-upper 60s. It looks like a great weekend to enjoy all Grand Lake has to offer. 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
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 (smoking)
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