August 14 Random Observations of the Grand Lake Bum
If you weren’t hanging around Grand Lake over the past weekend, you missed some incredible stuff. I had to pinch myself to make sure it wasn’t the 4th of July weekend. It wasn’t just the crowds, the incredible entertainment line-up, or the fun-loving party animals – it was the fireworks! Mother Nature started the action late Friday night providing an incredible sky-wide light show for the group anchored out in Leon Russell Cove for the annual Arrowhead/Cherokee Yacht Club Woodstock on the Water event. She even threw in a little water to make sure the boats were all clean for Saturday’s big show. Saturday was perfect weather for the actual on-the-water concert – and humans decided to compete when night fell Saturday night. The Grand Lake Fireworks devotees put on a great show in Disney to honor the event founder Judy Barger who passed away last week. Not to be outdone, the folks organizing the Stony Point Open House Lake Day topped off the evening with another incredible exhibition. A few hours later, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, Ma Nature put on another incredible light show, complete with another life-preserving downpour. What a weekend!
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The weekend wasn’t just about fireworks, lightning, thunder, rainfall, and music, though – it was also about golf and a display of Grand Lake generosity. The weather was perfect for Friday’s annual Mary Moore Charity Event & Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. That great event once again raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics through the Home of Hope. Congratulations to Jack Moore and his team of organizers for another stellar event!
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Has anybody else noticed the data-building social media onslaught by entertainers? It seems like every performer has been posting daily messages begging for “a big YESSSS” in comments. It’s kind of sad, really. “Do you still remember me?” “Does my music give you pleasure?” “Are you still a fan?” They all end the same: “If so, can I get a big YESSS?” It’s weird. I guess everybody is trying to make sure they don’t remain in Taylor Swift’s shadow. Oh, wait! That can’t be it, because even Taylor Swift’s posts are begging for the same comment.
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NOTE TO BOATERS: Secure your toys, people! Good grief! I don’t remember any week on Grand Lake where there were so many lost toys – floating mats, tubes, personal watercraft – even boats seemed to be free-floating around the lake at a record pace. I hope everyone got their lost toys back. If not…you’ll need a mirror to see who’s at fault.
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If you wonder why Grand Lake party animals never seem to slow down, just take a little look at our aging icons. Mick Jagger is 80. Mitch McConnell is 81. Which lifestyle do YOU think produced the best aging lifestyle? Perhaps the benefits of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll should not be ignored.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Sandye Berga, Cheryl Dalton, Alisha DiMaggio, Lynda Fleming, Mariel McGehee, Amanda Kennedy, Mike Hegeman, Debi Saied, Debra Putman, Paige Porter, Haley Vaughn, Jo Eve, Anna Stafford, Emilio Arizpe, Tyler Sourjohn, Jen Sullivan, Lawrence Schupp, Melissa Mecklenburg, Charles Givens, and Barry Hurley.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. Thursday at 5:00, Shangri-La CEO Barry Willingham will introduce new General Manager Lance Funderburk to members at a party at the main clubhouse. Also Thursday at 5:00, there is a Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Jana Jae’s Gallery Southwest in Grove. Friday night is a “Dink and Drink” pickleball mixer at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (8:00 p.m.). Saturday morning is Farmers’ Market in downtown Grove (9:00-2:00). There’s a Shrimp Boil & party Sunday at noon at Willow Park Marina. Monday is Grand Lake Newcomers Club Movie Day at Grove Cinema 7 (4:00 p.m.). The Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association Partnership Championship Tournament is at Shangri-La Golf Club Monday & Tuesday. Next Tuesday is “Slack Night” and Wednesday is the rodeo-opening Parade and the first big night of the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita. Action continues through Sunday, August 27.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The first official use of the word “Oklahoma” was for a post office in the Choctaw Nation in 1881.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: In his 15-year tenure with the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, Hall of Fame Head Coach Hank Stram never had an offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator or special teams coach.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: The last time OU had a 2nd year head coach and a left-handed quarterback in his 2nd year, they won the National Championship.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: “Boneless wings” is just a way to make adults feel better about ordering chicken nuggets.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Nobody watches you harder than people who don’t like you. Give them a good show!
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I stayed in a hotel with towels so thick I barely could close my suitcase.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: It is shocking that those who call themselves a florist know absolutely nothing about installing linoleum.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What if you don’t get a “Cost of Living Raise” when the cost of living goes up? What happens to you?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I’ve found that the easiest and best way to shop online is to just yell out what I want and wait for the ads to pop up.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” – Albert Einstein
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart turned 82 last week and actor Sam Elliott turned 79. It’s hard to believe superstar Whitney Houston died in 2012. Last Wednesday would have been her 60th birthday. We all say it all the time, just like we’ve been saying it forever…but it has actually been twenty years since Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett hit #1 on the charts with their hit song, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.”
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend fun kicks off on Doc’s Patio Thursday night with Jason Morgan leading the karaoke fun at the Thursday night Shrimp Boil. Chloe Johns performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Reverse Reaction Saturday night. Terry Jordan entertains at The Summit Restaurant Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings. There’s karaoke with KJ Flip Thursday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze, and DJ K-Bandito hosts the weekend musical fun Friday & Saturday nights featuring Erin Fitzgibbon on stage Friday night; and across the street, there’s karaoke on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday night is Rockstar Karaoke fun at Monkey Island Pub featuring DJ Kennedy.
On South Grand Lake, Robbi Bell performs Friday night and The Highway 69ers provide the music Saturday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina, and Quin Peterson will be on stage Sunday afternoon. Randy Steele kicks off the weekend Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill followed by Ryan Graham Friday night and Absher, Martin & White Saturday night. Ryan Graham returns Sunday afternoon for more music at 5:30 at Mooney’s. Lil Red’s 1 Man Band will provide the music early Friday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek (6:00). The weekend musical fun always starts on Thursday nights with karaoke fun at The Drunken Rooster. This week, Empire will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at the Rooster.
In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Finn Again Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday. Phil Vaught entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by The Downbeat Saturday night.
Abbey Pierce & The Sinners kick off the weekend Friday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Encore Saturday.
In Vinita, Makayla Gaylord will be the featured musical entertainer at the All Settlers Day Reunion next Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 at the Craig County Community Center (following the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Parade).
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Chickanellas’ Grove location is now closed. The popular restaurant is relocating to Monkey Island (the former Roadhouse Restaurant location) with planned opening September 1. Casa Gutierrez is closed temporarily while they move to their new location at the old Charlie’s Chicken location at 1720 South Main in Grove. Blue Cat Bistro at Har-Ber Village is closed until further notice due to fire damage. Bella Donna’s now offers a Sunday Buffet from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The Canteen at The Battlefield Golf Course at Shangri-La offers food & beverage service Thursday-Tuesday (closed Wednesday).
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new comedy Killing It debuts Thursday on Peacock. The Challenge: USA airs Thursday night at 9:00 on CBS. Billions airs Sunday night at 7:00 on Showtime. The mini-series Star Wars: Ahsoka will be available next Wednesday on Disney+.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Strays, Blue Beetle, and Back on the Strip join Oppenheimer and Barbie in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Sunday, August 23-27 – Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo at Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita. Thursday, August 24 – Grand Lake Newcomers Club “New Newcomers” Lunch & Games at The Anchor at Shangri-La (11:30 a.m.). Friday, August 25 – Monkey Island Fire Department Benefit at Big Shots. Saturday-Sunday, August 26-27 – Multi-Dealer Boat Show at Thunder Bay Marina (918 Boats, Grand Lake Boat Sales, Nichols Marine, Ugly John’s). Friday & Saturday, August 25-26 – Grove Pro Rodeo at Crosswired Cowboy Church Arena (7:00). Saturday, August 26 – Shangri-La Par 3 Club Championship Tournament at The Battlefield (8:30). Saturday-Sunday, August 26-27 – Race to Shangri-La Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Thursday-Sunday, August 31-September 3 – Rocklahoma outdoor concert 4 miles north of Pryor. Friday, September 1 – Food Truck Friday in downtown Grove. Friday, September 1 – Food truck Friday at the Grove Community Center. Friday, September 1 – First Friday Wine Share at Har-Ber Village (6:00). Friday-Sunday, September 1-3 – Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Festival. Saturday & Sunday, September 2-3 – Boats, Beats & BBQ Festival & Formula 1 Powerboat Racing at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Saturday, September 9 – Road Kill Chili Cook-Off at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Jay (11:30-1:00). Tuesday, September 12 – Public Safety Bond Election in Grove. Wednesday-Saturday, September 13-16 – Born & Raised Music Festival four miles north of Pryor. Friday-Sunday, September 22-24 – Pioneer Days Living History Event at Har-Ber Village. (9:00-3:00 Friday & Saturday, 9:00-noon Sunday). Saturday & Sunday, September 23-24 – NEO Pickleball Open at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Monday, September 25 – “Fore the Kids” Golf Tournament at The Coves Golf Club benefiting the Ketchum Warriors Backpack Program, sponsored by the South Grand Lake Foundation (9:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday-Sunday, October 5-8 – Annual Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove.
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The NFL Preseason rolls on this week. Thursday, Cleveland faces Philadelphia at 6:30. Friday, the N.Y. Giants take on Carolina at 6:00. Saturday games feature Jacksonville vs. Detroit at noon, Miami vs. Houston at 3:00, Chicago vs. Indianapolis at 6:00, and Dallas vs. Seattle at 9:00. Sunday, New Orleans and the L.A. Chargers meet up at 6:00 – and the year’s first Monday night game features Baltimore and Washington. All games are on the NFL network except the Monday night game which is on ESPN.
PGA Golfers are in Illinois this week for the BMW Championship. Coverage is on the golf channel beginning at 1:00 Thursday & Friday, noon Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The final two rounds move to CBS Saturday at 2:00 & Sunday at 1:00.
NASCAR drivers will be in Watkins Glen, New York this week for the Go Bowling at The Glen race. Coverage begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on USA.
There are some excellent Major League Baseball games, too. The Cardinals host the Mets Thursday at 6:00. Saturday, the Yankees host the Red Sox at noon and Milwaukee is at Texas at 3:00. Philadelphia is at Washington Sunday evening at 6:00; and the White Sox host Seattle Monday night at 7:00.
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Weather for the weekend ahead will serve as a reminder that it is still August in Oklahoma. Highs will be pushing 100 degrees with lows in the mid-70s under clear skies. There’s a lot going on – so get out there and have some fun! 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 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
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
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