August 26 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Grab a tight hold and get a faraway look in your eye, as bull riders always advise. It’s that time of year! The weekend ahead is the annual traffic jam at the intersection of summer vs. school, boating vs. football, home commitments vs. vacation dreams. We’ll take on ALL of those challenges at Grand Lake this weekend – every one of those choices is a part of the line-up at the lake!

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I think the calendar confused some folks over the past weekend. Boat traffic on the lake, action at area clubs, and the number of golfers on the golf courses over the past weekend seemed to indicate folks got confused and thought LAST weekend was the Labor Day holiday weekend. In addition to the normal unplanned raft-ups, there were a couple of really fun organized events – the Grove Rotary Club raft-up in Courthouse Hollow and a fun “Proceed to Party” raft-up honoring the late great superstar and Grand Laker Toby Keith.

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There are more remembrances of Toby Keith this week. Wednesday evening, watch for lots of Grand Lakers in the NBC/Peacock broadcast at 8:00 p.m. of Toby Keith: American Icon! Lots of Grand Laker were on hand in Nashville a few weeks ago for the filming of that commemorative telecast. Back on Grand Lake, Shangri-La will once again host a “Big Dog Daddy Alternate Shot Horse Race” Sunday afternoon at 4:00 in Toby’s honor – and benefiting the Toby Keith Foundation’s Kids Korral. Gone, but never forgotten.

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I know the holiday weekend ahead will mean serious overtime for lots of Grand Lake workers – but the overtime duty for American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams is getting ridiculous. They arrived at the International Space Station on what was supposed to be a week-long test flight back in early June. Not only are they still stuck there, but new problems have extended their overtime until a Space X vehicle can pick them up….next February! Their one-week mission is now an eight MONTH mission. And you thought YOUR workday was long!

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NIL made easy. OSU head football coach Mike Gundy told his players to “tell your agent to stop calling and asking for more money. It’s non-negotiable now.” Well, sort of. OSU has just switched NIL support to a self-checkout system. Players will be sporting QR codes on their helmets this weekend. If you like a play, just scan the QR code and contribute.

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I guess we’d better take what we can get. At least we’re #1 in something. A new report says 21.7% of high school kids in Oklahoma vape. That’s double the national average.

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I don’t talk much about the Presidential race on here, but if you missed it, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. suspended his Presidential campaign last week. I’m not sure what took him so long to realize he “no longer has a path to victory.” Every member of the Kennedy family has disavowed his campaign and recent polling had him garnering almost two percent of the vote. I guess somebody finally told him, “Here’s your sign.” But, at any rate, there’s a name that won’t be on your November ballot.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Brian Broaddus, Patricia Williams, Ray Holmes, DiAnna Wescott, Cheryl Forrest, Patty Davis, Randy Sherrell, Lary Mlnarik, Janet Link, Mackenci Hudiburg, Dennis Patrick, Gary Morgan, Tammie Koehler, David Guest, Chad Randall, Marilyn Mlnarik, and Tessa Cook.  

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday evening is the weekly Shrimp Boil & Karaoke evening on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.) and a Crab Legs & Karaoke at Island Bar & Grill at The Landings. Friday & Saturday is “Bullfest at The Lake 2024” at Wolf Creek Park in Grove (gates open at 4:00 p.m.). Jana Jae’s Fiddle Camp is Friday-Sunday at Snider’s Campground and Freewill Baptist Church in Grove). Friday evening is season college football kickoff – an OU-Temple watch party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Saturday & Sunday there are great family events at the “End of Summer Bash” at The Bernice Nature Center at the State Park (beginning at 10:00 a.m.). Saturday morning is Farmers Market on the lawn at the Grove Community Center. There is a Cigarette Boat Owners’ Run beginning at the mouth of Woodard Hollow Saturday morning at 10:00. Saturday is also an OSU-South Dakota State watch party at The Anchor (1:00 p.m.), and the Grand River Dam Paddle (GRDP) on the river below the Pensacola Dam.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Almost 100 British colleges and universities play organized American football.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The boat used as the S.S. Minnow in “Gilligan’s Island” was a 1964 Wheeler with a cruising speed of 12 knots, which means they couldn’t have traveled more than 41.5 miles. Honestly, I’m starting to doubt if the show was even real.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Butterflies taste with their feet with special sensors that help them find the right plants to lay their eggs on.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but I ran across an old medical school entrance exam. Students were asked to rearrange the letters P-N-E-I-S to form the name of an important human body part which is most useful when erect. Those who answered SPINE are doctors today. The others are on Facebook.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: If it’s in stock, we have it!

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Parachute for sale. Only used once. Never opened.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: If athletes get athlete’s foot, do astronauts get missile toe?

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If “mediums” can communicate with the dead, what could a “large” do?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: “Do Not Touch” must be a terrifying thing to read in braille.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “If history has taught us anything, it’s that history has had a hard time teaching us anything.” – Michael Svigel

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Actor/comedian/writer/producer Lily Tomlin turns 85 years old Sunday. “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen, announced last week he has no intention of stopping or slowing down his tour schedule. He turns 75 next month. The Rolling Stones were guests on CBS Sunday morning last week to promote their tour. At 77, Ronnie Wood is the youngest member of the band. Mick Jagger is 81. Keith Richards is 80.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend at the Thursday Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on the patio of Doc’s Bar & Grill and DJ Kennedy hosts Rockstar Karaoke at Island Bar & Grill at The Landings. DJ Kennedy also entertains Friday night at The Monkey Bar. Friday night, Scott Musick entertains live at Doc’s. Brett n’ Terri entertain at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar Saturday night, and DJ Brock hosts the musical fun Sunday night at Eddy’s. There is karaoke fun on The Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. Wednesday night is “Cocktails & Karaoke” night at Blind Swine and Thursday night is DJ Night at the Swine Monkey Island location. Johnny Dale Roberts performs live Friday night at the Swine, with a late night dance party hosted by DJ Laidback Larry, followed by Damsel Saturday night. Trenton Tanner performs Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. DJ Kyle Bandito provides the late night music at Big Shots both Friday & Saturday nights.

On South Grand, Magen Faulconer starts the weekend Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Clint and Frank Saturday night. The Rockwell Trio headlines the Friday night fun at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina, followed by Jake and the Idols Saturday and Steel Around Sunday. The Christine Jude Duo will entertain Friday night at Blind Swine Duck Creek followed by Randall George Saturday night. House Party will perform live at The Drunken Rooster Friday night, followed by The Chase Wilson Band Saturday night, and The Stars Sunday night. Soul Shaker entertains Saturday night at Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay.

In Grove, The Magic Hunks “Most Wanted Tour” hits the R Bar Dance Hall and Saloon in Grove Wednesday evening. The Backwood County Band will entertain at Bullfest at Wolf Creek Park Friday night, and Phil Vandel will perform Saturday night. Western Justice (acoustic) will be performing at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 Friday night. Runnin’ on Empty will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Encore Saturday night. The Eddie Valen Band will be at Blue Bluff Harbor Saturday night (6:00-9:00).

There are two nights of weekend music at Indigo Sky Casino. The Downbeat performs Thursday night, followed by Dino D and the D Train Band Friday night. Friday night is “Comedy Night” and Recommended Dose entertains Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar. The Dogstar Summer Vacation Tour comes to Downstream Casino’s Pavilion Friday night.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Try some new brewskies this weekend. There’s a “Tap Takeover” by a brewery Friday night at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar. (Eddy’s is also open Labor Day Monday until 8:00 p.m.). Billy’s Burger Barn is Ketchum is hoping to be open this week. The new Grand Lake Kitchen restaurant at Har-Ber Village is planning to open Labor Day weekend. Prime at the Pool at Marina Del Rey Resort is now open seven days a week. The new Gambino’s Pizza location is now open in Ketchum, and the Blind Swine crew will be taking over the former Grand Lake Public House location in Grove in October.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Wednesday night at 8:00 on both NBC and Peacock, don’t miss Toby Keith: American Icon. Incoming is available Friday on NETFLIX. The Chosen makes its broadcast debut Sunday night at 7:00 on CW. English Teacher premiers Monday night at 9:00 on FX.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Reagan, Slingshot, Afraid and You Gotta Believe all open in movie theaters this week.

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, September 6 – Indoor Yard Sale & Indian Taco Sale at the Delaware County Boys & Girls Club (8:00-3:00). Monday, September 9 – South Grand Lake Foundation “Fore the Kids” golf tournament at The Coves benefiting the Ketchum Backpack Program (9:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday-Friday, September 12-13 – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s “Luau on the Green” and Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Charity Golf Tournament at Peoria Ridge Golf Course (10:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday, September 12 – Northeast Board of Realtors Sunday, September 15 – Customer & Community Appreciation Fish Fry at Juan Montez Restaurant (restaurant and bar will be closed). Thursday, September 19 – “Eat Some Good, Do Some Good” fundraiser benefiting Integris Health Volunteers at Rancho Viejo in Grove (10% of your meal purchase goes to the charity). Thursday-Sunday, September 19-22 – Pioneer Days Celebration at Har-Ber Village (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-noon Sunday). Friday, September 20 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Patricia Island Country Club (1:30 shotgun). Saturday September 21 – World’s Largest Calf Fry & BBQ Festival at the Will Rogers Rodeo Grounds in Vinita. Saturday, September 21 – Keels & Wheels classic car and boat show at Cherokee Yacht Club sponsored by Heartland Classics Boat Club (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Saturday, September 21 – Customer Appreciation Party at Cedar Port Marina (6:00 p.m.). Friday-Saturday, September 27-28 -  Grove Merchants Fall Open House. Friday-Sunday, October 4-6 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday-Sunday, October 4-6 – “Killer Weekend” at Shangri-La Resort (Killer Keyz Dueling Pianos Friday, Member Appreciation Saturday, Courage Under Fire Classic golf tournament Sunday). Saturday, October 12 – Arts & Crafts Festival and Indian Tacos at the Bernice Senior/Community Center (10:00-2:00).

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It’s a big sports weekend ahead. College football gets underway in full force this week. OU hosts Temple Friday night at 6:00 and OSU hosts South Dakota State Saturday at 1:00. Other big games include Clemson at Georgia, Penn State at West Virginia, Notre Dame at Texas A&M – all on Saturday. Sunday evening, LSU hosts USC at 6:30 and Boston College is at Florida State, also at 6:30.

It's a huge week for professional tennis. The U.S. Open is underway with coverage on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.

PGA players are in Atlanta this week for the TOUR Championship Coverage begins Thursday, Friday & Saturday at noon and 11:00 a.m. Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC will have coverage Saturday at 1:30.

NASCAR drivers are at Darlington this weekend for some Sunday night Prime Time racing. Coverage of the Cook Out Southern 500 begins at 5:00 Sunday evening on USA Network.

Major League Baseball has some big games, as well. Atlanta is at Philadelphia for a couple of games (Saturday & Sunday at 6:00). The Mets host the Red Sox next Tuesday at 6:00 and Cleveland is at Kansas City next Wednesday at 6:30.

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We’re arriving at Labor Day weekend, so of course there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms off and on – but it’s gonna be a lot cooler! We’ll have high temperatures in the 80s and lows in the mid 60s. In fact, on Labor Day, we’re looking at a high of 80 degrees and a low in the upper 50s! It’s a crazy busy weekend on Grand Lake, of course, so get out there and have some fun! Be patient, be kind, and be generous with your tips – and remember, 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

Blind Swine on Monkey Island

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)

Bradford BBQ in Ketchum

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

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

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort

Gambine’s Pizza in Ketchum

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

Hero’s Deli in Langley

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

Legacy Eatery in Grove

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Bar on Monkey Island

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

One-Eyed Monkey at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

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

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

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

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove