Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum April 29
Goodbye, April. Hello, May! Can you believe it? I don’t know if folks got inspired by the upcoming Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo, or what – but there are a couple of fun and extremely worthwhile Poker Run events this week. On Monkey Island, the 2nd Annual Cinco de Poker Derby is Saturday, all along the Monkey Island Golf Cart Trail. Registration is at 11:30 at The Rex Center at Tera Miranda with additional stops at Marine Max, Blind Swine, The Brady’s Hangar at the Monkey Island Airport, and Big Shots. It’s a fundraiser to support maintenance of the trail – and it wraps up with the famous Dilly Downs races and a Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Big Shots. Grab your golf cart and join the fun!
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On South Grand Lake, there’s another poker run raising money to pay off unpaid lunch tabs for students at Ketchum Schools. The Pirates Poker Run kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Stops for chips are at Cedar Port Marina, Cherokee Yacht Club Marina, Arrowhead Yacht Club Marina, and Hammerhead Marina/VIP Pizza. Check-in is at Sharky’s at Hammerhead from 6:30-7:30 – and you can get a bonus chip with dinner at Sharky’s – and a bonus prize for the best pirate costume. We’re all about the fun at Grand Lake, but it’s even better when we’re having fun to benefit such important causes!
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It’s time for those of us who love the tourism industry to start putting the pressure on our U.S. Congressional Representatives. A new Oklahoma law pushed hard by State Senator Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, was signed Friday that would put Oklahoma clocks on permanent Daylight Saving Time – as soon as federal law allows. The federal Sunshine Protection Act, co-authored by Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, has been approved by the U.S. Senate, but it is stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives. Let’s get this done!
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Did you see where an American Airlines flight from Washington, D.C. to Phoenix had to be diverted to Oklahoma City last week due to an emergency? The “emergency” was that all the toilets were full. I’m surprised more flights from Washington don’t have to be diverted for the same reason. I’m sure most flights out of D.C. are pretty much full of it!
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Things that make you go “Hmmm.” I got into a discussion with a buddy of mine who was extremely opposed to using tax dollars to pay off student loans – but he was all in favor of using tax dollars to provide vouchers to send his kids to private schools.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Congratulations to Shangri-La Resort where they’ll be celebrating the first anniversary of the top-rated Battlefield Par 3 Golf Course this weekend. Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Carla Lillie, Gregg Lorimor, Chad Borin, Terry Jordan, Charlie Wallace, Richael Garner, Brenda Sheffield, Barbara Barnes, Brent Beyers, Dean Strimple, Micheal Bergstrom, Paula Sanford, Jimmie Tramel, Anita Cole, Pam Borin, Tony Coatney, and Kristi Wallace.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: I can’t believe the incredible number of awesome events around the lake this week. You’d better get your running shoes on! Thursday-Saturday, Miami Little Theater presents the musical “Oklahoma” at the Coleman Theatre Beautiful (7:00 p.m.). Friday is the Food Truck Friday and the Arts Festival with Imagine Grand art display & sale on the Grove City Hall lawn (5:00-9:00 p.m.) and First Friday Wine Share at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Community-wide Garage Sale Days in Grove runs Friday-Sunday. Saturday is a crazy busy day. Start your day with your choice – Yoga or Zumba, or both! At 8:00 a.m. Laken Zimmerman offers Yoga on the lawn at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La. At 10:30 a.m., join Katy for the Zumba Fitness Dance Party at Big Shots. There’s a lot more happening Saturday, including the first “Farmers Market” of the year at in downtown Grove (8:00 a.m.), the Cinco de Poker Derby fundraiser for the Monkey Island Trail at various Island stops (12:00-6:00 p.m.), Celtic Day at Har-Ber Village (9:00-3:00), the Cedar Port Pirate Poker Run benefiting Ketchum kids (10:00 a.m.), the Imagine Grand art display & sale at Lendonwood Gardens, the Annual Kentucky Derby Party at Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club (3:00 p.m.) and the 2024 Burning of the Socks at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (4:00 p.m.). There is an in-water Boat Show Saturday and Sunday at Shangri-La Marina (10:00-4:00); and Saturday evening is the Shangri-La Marina/Nichols Marine Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (5:00-8:00 p.m.). For pickleballers, Saturday night is also the Dinko de Mayo Pickleball Mixer with plenty of food & beverages at The Anchor Racquet Club (7:00 p.m.). Sunday is The Battlefield 1st Anniversary Golf Scramble at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (1:00 p.m. shotgun).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: According to some sources, Christopher Columbus may have been the first to bring firearms to the Turks and Caicos.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Caitlin Clark sold more Fever jerseys in one day than the Dallas Cowboys sold all last year for the entire team.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: PGA Golfer Scottie Scheffler is playing so well this year that his caddie is out-earning Rory McIlroy.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Welcome to Facebook. Please be patient – someone will disagree with you shortly!
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: WARNING: Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I agree that something needs to be done about our southern border. I’ve seen three Texas Longhorn shirts this week.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Scientists have just grown human vocal cords in a petri dish. The results speak for themselves.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If the government can just print money, why do they continue to bother us by collecting taxes?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: You would think the part of the brain that used to remember phone numbers would take over and start remembering passwords. But noooo!
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I don’t like country music, but I don’t mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means ‘put down’.” – Bob Newhart
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Actor Al Pacino turned 84 years old last week; and the legendary actor Jack Nicholson turned 87.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There is an incredible line-up of great live entertainment around the lake this weekend. On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend with Thursday Night Karaoke at the Shrimp Boil on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Friday night, Mark Gibson entertains live at Doc’s. Saturday afternoon, Jason Morgan leads the SINGO competition at The Anchor from 3:00-5:00. Robbi Bell will perform Friday night and Magen Faulconer will be live Saturday night at Blind Swine Monkey Island. Friday night is Rockstar Karaoke with DJ Kennedy at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze; and DJ K-Bandito provides the musical fun Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm.
On South Grand, Jump Suit Love entertains Saturday night at the Drunken Rooster in Cleora. Clint and Frank will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The Barrett Lewis Band Saturday night. DJ Mo will lead the opening night fun at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina. The Randy Ess Band will entertain Saturday night at Sharky’s.
In Grove, there are three nights of live music this week at Cherokee Casino featuring D’ Elegantz Friday night, Libby Starks Saturday, and Erin Fitzgibbon Sunday night.
Brett N’ Terri start the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by The Stonehorse Band Friday and Mayday by Midnight Saturday.
In Club 60 West at River Bend Casino, there is late night karaoke with DJ Kay beginning at 11:00 Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The first Thursday Night Shrimp Boil of the year at Shangri-La is this week – Thursday Night Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on Doc’s Patio. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now open Tuesday-Sunday featuring all-you-can-eat Crab Boils on Wednesday nights and all-you-can-eat Shrimp Boils Friday nights. Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina is now open for the season. Stuff’ns Café in Ketchum is now open until 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill is now open 7 days a week (from 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and noon Friday-Sunday). Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina is now open for their regular summer operating hours.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Unfrosted debuts Friday on NETFLIX. The Roast of Tom Brady airs on NETFLIX Sunday night at 7:00. The Voice airs Monday at 7:00 on NBC. Jon Stewart hosts The Daily Show Monday night at 10:00 on The Comedy Channel.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, The Fall Guy, and I Saw the TV Glow open in movie theaters Friday.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 9 – Grove Chamber Monthly Membership Meeting at City Hall (12:00 p.m.). Thursday, May 9 – Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La (5:00 p.m.). Thursday, May 9 – Nine-hole Scramble Golf Tournament at Shangri-La (5:00 p.m. shotgun). Saturday, May 11 – South Grand Lake Chamber “Bootleggers’ Ball” at Shangri-La Resort (5:00 p.m.). Monday, May 13 – Modoc National Golf Scramble at Shangri-La Golf Club. Friday, May 17 – PXG Fitting Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (12:00-3:30 p.m.). Friday, May 17 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La Marina (4:00 p.m.). Friday & Saturday, May 17-18 – Lawn-a-thon family fun with inflatable games on the Anchor Lawn at Shangri-La (1:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 18 – PXG Fitting Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (11:00 a.m.-2:30). Saturday, May 18 – Sounds of Summer Car Show & Festival at Marina Del Rey Resort (1:00-6:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 18 – “Death of a Gangster” Murder Mystery Dinner in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 18 – O’Banion Band’s Summertime Kickoff at the Monkey Island Barn (6:00 p.m.). Friday, May 24 – Grand Opening of the Legacy of Liberty WW II Memorial Park at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 25 – Ketchum Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry & Auction at the Ketchum Fire Station (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, May 31 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course (8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. tee times). Monday-Wednesday, June 3-5 – Junior Players Academy at Shangri-La Golf Club (8:30 a.m. daily). Friday, June 7 – Barkaritaville Fundraiser benefiting Second Chance Pet Rescue at Honey Creek Barbeque at Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove (6:30-10:00 p.m.) – music by Brett N’ Terri. Saturday, June 8 – PING Fitting Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (9:00 a.m.-1:00).
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NBA Playoffs continue daily this week. If necessary, Round 1 games will continue through Sunday, with Round 2 beginning Monday & Tuesday. If Round 1 series games wrap up early, Round 2 could start as early as Saturday.
It’s a huge week for horse racing. If it’s the first Saturday in May, it must be time for The Kentucky Derby. Coverage begins at 1:30 Saturday on NBC, but actual post time for The Derby is 5:45.
The entire country will have a chance to see two of the best college softball teams in the nation this weekend. It’s Bedlam Softball and all three games will be televised nationally. OSU is at OU Friday at 6:30 (FS1), Saturday at noon (ESPN) and Sunday at 3:00 (ESPN2).
PGA Golfers are at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas this weekend for the CJ Cup at Byron Nelson. Coverage begins at 3:00 Thursday and Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on The Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.
The UFL professional football season features two games Saturday and two more Sunday. Birmingham faces Memphis at 11:00 Saturday morning, followed by Houston and St. Louis at 2:00. Sunday, Arlington and Michigan meet at noon. San Antonio plays D.C. at 3:00.
NASCAR drivers are in Kansas City this week for the Advent Health 400. Coverage is on FS1 beginning Sunday afternoon at 2:00.
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Weather for the weekend ahead looks very nice. We’ll have sunshine for the most part with highs in the upper 70s and lows around 60 degrees. We may have an isolated thunderstorm or two because….you know, it’s May! They won’t last, though – so don’t let it interfere with your party planning. Remember, though, wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It might 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.
Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (closed for the season)
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
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 on Monkey Island
Chicken Coop west of Langley
Chubby’s Grill at On Target in Grove
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Cove Club in Langley
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 (closed for the season)
Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Getaway Mercantile (north of 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
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Matt’s Place in Grove
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
Mosa Hibachi and Sushi in Grove
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 (closed for the season)
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 (closed for the season)
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 Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)
The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)
Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (closed for the season)
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove