Rescheduled Barkaritaville Benefit Goes Tropical for a Good Cause

By Martha J. Henderson

Not just another Saturday night, June 2 is the evening Grand Lake Parrot Heads and animal lovers will go tropical for a good cause at Barkaritaville.

Benefitting Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake, Barkaritaville is a summer party where Jimmy Buffet himself would feel at home.

Held beneath lighted tents set up at Honey Creek Landing and Marina in Grove, the tropical-themed evening will include a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” dinner, live music, a magician and a silent auction for charity.

The Parrot Steakhouse & Grill is hosting the second annual event, which has been rescheduled to June 2, from its original May 20 date.

“We set up big tents on the far end of the parking lot, next to highway 59,” said Terry Eskew, owner of The Parrot. “Volunteers will decorate the tents to give them an island atmosphere.”

Barkaritaville’s tropical fun gets under way at 6 p.m. and continues to 10 p.m.

Eskew and his staff will be cooking “cheeseburgers in paradise” outdoors during the event. Giving a nod to the tropical vibe, the big half-pound burgers will be topped with cheese, a slice of pineapple and jalapeño and served on a Hawaiian bun.

For “Cheeseburger in Paradise” traditionalists who like their burgers with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and big kosher pickles, Eskew said all those condiments will be available, as well as onions and more.

French fried potatoes also will be served.

For dessert, The Parrot’s homemade pineapple upside down cake will complete the meal with a tropical flair.

Adult beverages, including cold beer, will be available at the cash bar.

The evening's entertainment will include live music and magician Doug Anderson.

Area residents and businesses have donated a variety of merchandise and other items for the Barkaritaville silent auction, which will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Some of the auction items to be featured at this year’s event include a four-burner barbecue grill, original artwork, dining and golf certificates, Oklahoma City Thunder tickets and a YMCA multi-family one-year membership (worth $500).

Attire for the evening is casual tropical and flip flops are encouraged.

On sale now, tickets can be purchased at Second Chance Thrift Shop, 220 East 3rd St., Grove, and The Parrot Steakhouse & Grill or online at www.doitforthepets.com with PayPal.

Tickets are $40 a piece and all proceeds benefit Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake.

Want to party the night away with your friends? Party tables for eight or 10 can be reserved by calling Theresa Swift at (918) 964-0088 or email her at tswift918@sbcglobal.net.

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit, private animal shelter, Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake has been working to provide a caring, safe and loving environment for abused and abandoned dogs and cats in the area since 1984.

Barkaritaville is the organization’s primary fundraiser.

Despite in-climate weather, the inaugural Barkaritaville was very successful. Organizers expect this year’s event to attract even more Parrot Heads and animal lovers.

“Last year, we weren’t sure how many people we would have, but we had a good turnout,” Eskew said. “We anticipate it being bigger this year. We are hoping to sell at least 300 tickets.”

Carol Rice, a member of the 2017 Barkaritaville planning committee, also anticipates a bigger event, saying that a number of people who weren’t able to attend last year because of the weather have said they were looking forward to attending this year’s Barkaritaville.

“Come out and join us for a good cause,” Eskew said. “Enjoy the food, friendship and the event, and help us raise money and support Second Chance Pet Rescue.”

Martha J. Henderson is the content editor for 360GrandLake.com. Contact her at marthaj@grandsplashmarketing.com or (918) 314-9740.