June 6 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
Last weekend was a fabulous “party for a cause” weekend on Grand Lake. Monkey Islanders lined up teams in 34 golf carts to track down geographic answers to 18 tricky clues about Island locations. It was an absolute hoot! True to form, there were plenty of “hydration stations” along the trail – and competitors did surprisingly well. The best part of the day, of course, was the $7,100 raised to support the Second Chance Pet Rescue. On the South end, supporters filled a gala set at the South Grand Regional Airport for the annual “NAPA Nights” event supporting the airport operation & expansion. After resting up from the Scavenger Hunt, several Islanders partied at the Layk Schoolhouse, exploring the newest party venue on the lake. Fortunately, Mother Nature smiled on all the weekend outdoor party animals and fundraisers. Preceded by days of wind and followed by a day of rain, the weather for Saturday’s events couldn’t have been more perfect. Let’s hope for the same for Toes in the Grand and all the other outdoor festivities scheduled around the lake in the upcoming weekend.
*****
If you were excited about the Oklahoma legislature ending its regular session for 2022 on May 27 – not so fast. Now, they’re back in TWO special sessions. One was called by Governor Stitt to try to force the legislature to take on some legislation he wants. The other was called by the legislature to take away power from Governor Stitt. The battle is on. And election day is June 28.
*****
Gasoline is still cheaper than whiskey. Of course, it’s not as important, either. The ultimate irony to me is the fact that gasoline is still cheaper than bottled water. I’ll never figure that one out.
*****
When you pay cash for something, check out your change. You may have a wonderful part of Oklahoma history in your pocket. The new quarter was released this week, honoring the late Wilma Mankiller, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. It is only the third American coin honoring a woman.
*****
GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Marty Phillips, David Moore, Matt Nash, Bill Pettit, Marnie Pettit, Matt Reed, Ron Young, Jim Gray, Lynn Bowker, Blair Philbrick, Amy Kennedy, Bri Ball, Megan Gilchrist, and Michael Junk.
*****
BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: It’s a big outdoor music weekend on Grand Lake. The American Heritage Music Festival starts Thursday evening at Snider’s Campground on Honey Creek, then moves to Wolf Creek Park Friday with the Fiddle Fest beginning at 9:00 a.m. as part of The Toes in the Grand Festival and Thunder on Wolf Creek Boat Races. In addition to all the live music, food, fun, and games, there will also be fireworks Saturday night and the final Festival day on Sunday. The weekend at Shangri-La will be filled with talented young dancers. The Odyssey Dance Competition returns to Grand Lake for another year of awesome talent display Friday-Sunday at the resort. There are “Welcome Back Weekend festivities beginning at noon Saturday at Willow Park Marina; and Saturday is also Barkaritaville at Honey Creek Landing Marina, and the Bobberland Cove On-The-Water Concert (1:00 p.m.). The live production of “Damascus Road” opens Friday night at Picture in Scripture Amphitheater and continues Friday & Saturday nights through July 2. The Monkey Island Masters Golf Tournament will be held Saturday at Shangri-La Golf Club. The annual Steam Punk Costume Party is Saturday night at Monkey Island Pub.
*****
RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Not released until its discovery on an old reel-to-reel tape in 2010, the song “Just Do the Best You Can” heard on Michelob Ultra commercials was written and recorded in 1968 by Country Johnny Mathis, who is not the same person as “Chances Are” Johnny Mathis.
*****
SAD FACT OF THE WEEK: The first restaurant chain in the United States was Howard Johnson. The last remaining restaurant in the chain closed last month in New York, ending a run for Howard Johnson Restaurants that began in 1925.
*****
BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: After spending 20 minutes trying to get my wife’s bra off, I’ve decided to give up. I wish I’d never put it on now.
*****
BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Parking available in empty spaces only.
*****
TWEET OF THE WEEK: I never run with scissors. (Those last two words were unnecessary.)
*****
BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Babies are born with four kidneys. When they grow up, two of them turn into adult knees.
*****
UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do British websites used biscuits instead of cookies?
*****
OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: There’s nothing like a little tomato soup to soothe the soul. Even if it’s cold. Over ice. With a celery stalk. And vodka.
*****
FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Legendary actor, writer, director, producer, activist Clint Eastwood turned 92 years old last week. Legendary actor (with the even more legendary voice) Morgan Freeman turned 85 last week.
*****
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.” – Charles Bukowski
*****
BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Chloe Johns performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Friday night entertainment by DJ Matt and live performance Saturday night by Jump Suit Love. Thursday night is karaoke night with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early both Wednesday and Friday night at the Swine. Kerry Kimmons leads the karaoke fun on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday and Saturday nights while DJ K-Bandito provides the dance music both nights across the street at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze; and Saturday is karaoke night and the Steam Punk Costume Party at Monkey Island Pub.
On South Grand Lake, Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens the weekend entertainment Friday night with True Karaoke. Whiskey Poet Society entertains Saturday night and Mike Barham performs Sunday afternoon. Dustin Moore leads the Thursday night karaoke fun at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Rockwell takes over entertainment Friday night followed by Reverse Reaction Saturday. The Smith Brothers will be on stage Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The Pony Up Band Friday and DJ T-Bone Saturday. Barrett Lewis wraps up the weekend Sunday with a solo show beginning at 4:00.
In Grove, it’s American Music Festival and Toes in the Grand Festival this weekend. Fiddle entertainment begins Thursday night at Snider’s Campground, and the Fiddle-Off moves to Wolf Creek Park Friday morning at 9:00. There’s great live entertainment Friday night including Jana Jae & Friends, Possum Trot, Cliff Top, and the Junior Marriott Swing Band. There is great entertainment Saturday night, too, but a totally different genre – Cool Breeze Band at 5:00 and The Mixtapes at 7:30. DJ Gragg will entertain at Bella Donna’s Saturday evening.
Twice as Nice Harpists provide the music indoors while Brett ‘N Terri entertain on the rooftop Friday night at The Regatta, with Split Finger Rufus performing Saturday night. Following Thursday night karaoke, there is live entertainment by Encore Friday night at Venue 655 at Grand Lake Casino followed by more karaoke Saturday night. Libby Starks will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by Morgan Squared Saturday night.
The Magen Faulconer Band is featured Saturday night at Club 60 West at River Bend Casino. Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Jon Dooly in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Johnny Dale Roberts, followed by Stonehorse Saturday.
*****
DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill has expanded kitchen hours. Food service is now available until 9:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday (closed Tuesdays). The Balcony Bar at The Shebang is now open with karaoke fun Friday & Saturday nights. Bella Donna’s Italian Restaurant and Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing Marina are now open. Forage now has a location for take-and-bake and pantry items at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island.
*****
BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new series Ms. Marvel debuts this week on Disney+. Amy Schumer’s Parental Advisory will be available on NETFLIX Saturday. The 75th Annual Tony Awards air live Sunday night at 7:00 on CBS; and Color My World with Love Sunday night at 8:00 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
****
BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Jurassic World Dominion opens this week in movie theaters, joining blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick and Downton Abbey: A New Era.
*****
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 16 – Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Bella Donna’s (5:00 p.m.). Friday, June 17 – Monthly Sunset Cruise at Shangri-La Marina. Saturday, June 18 – Kyle Williams Boating Safety Course at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (8:00-5:00). Monday-Wednesday, June 20-22 – Junior Players Academy at Shangri-La Golf Club. Friday, June 24 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Friday-Saturday, June 24-25 – Grand Jam Music Fest at Grand Meridian RV Resort. Monday-Wednesday, June 27-29 – Youth Pickleball Camp at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Friday, July 1 – Vinita Fest at Vinita High School (7:30). Saturday, July 2 – Commerce Fireworks at Commerce High School. Sunday, July 3 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La, Horse Creek Fireworks across from the Unfinished Bridge, Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney, July 3rd Extravaganza & Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Monday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks, Blue Bluff Harbor Fireworks, Huckleberry Fireworks in Jay, Miami Fireworks, and Parade of Flight (4:00 p.m.) at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Friday-Saturday, July 8-9 – Grand Lake Summer Expo at Civic Center in Grove. Wednesday-Sunday, July 13-17 – 2022 Visions Off Road at Mid-America Outdoors. Saturday, July 16 – Aquapalooza at Grand Lake RV Park in Duck Creek.
*****
It’s a big week in the sports world – especially for college baseball. Super Regionals begin in the NCAA Baseball Tournament Friday and continue through Monday. The College World Series is set to begin June 17.
The NBA Championship Finals series continues with Boston and Golden State continuing to battle Wednesday, Friday, and (as necessary) next Monday, Thursday, and Sunday.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoff semi-finals continue play this week, with games continuing (as necessary) through Tuesday. Stanley Cup Finals competition is set to begin Saturday, June 18.
PGA Golfers are in Toronto to compete in the RBC Canadian Open. Coverage begins on the Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds beginning at 2:00 Saturday and Sunday.
NASCAR drivers are in Sonoma, California this week for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Coverage begins at 3:00 Sunday afternoon on FS1.
All eight USFL teams are in action this week with two games Saturday and two more Sunday.
*****
Weather for the event-packed weekend ahead looks very nice. Partly cloudy to sunny, light winds, highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-60s. It’s had to do better than that. There’s a lot going on, so get out there and have some Grand Lake fun! Remember, though, no matter where you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
Want more information on advertisers you see in the Grand Lake Bum? No problem. Just click on their ad and you will be connected to their website. If you would like to join the growing list of sponsors of The Grand Lake Bum e-blast and the Bum’s page on both Grand Lake Living and www.360grandlake.com, the cost is only $50 a week and the list of readers is growing. E-mail or contact grandlakebum@gmail.com to sign up. The Grand Lake Bum column is also published in The Grand Laker newspaper.
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
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
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
Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
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
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
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill at Grand Meridian
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Forage in downtown 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
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 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
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)
Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)
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
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove