Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum April 22
Now that we’re rolling into the major season of outdoor fun, I’ll remind you once again not to pay any attention to TV meteorologists. Their forecast for the past weekend was so rainy, stormy, and windy that some venues canceled or rescheduled their outdoor activities. And then…nothing but clear skies, virtually no wind and temperatures so nearly perfect that there was no way to improve on the weather except maybe adding another 20 degrees. We’re likely to get the additional 20 degrees for the coming weekend, by the way. I should have been a TV meteorologist myself. I can’t think of any other job where you get paid a six figure income and only have to be right about fifty percent of the time! Normally, it’s not the actual weather that keeps tourists away from the lake. It’s the weather forecast!
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I spent a fun Saturday night over the past weekend taking a musical stroll down memory lane. It was another great party for a great cause as The Old Bulldog Band made their annual performing trip to Grand Lake. They raised a ton of money for 2nd Chance Pet Rescue – and filled the dance floor at Big Shots with folks who probably only dance when the Bulldogs are on the stage. It was a nostalgic night of classic rock – and important fundraising. I’m pretty sure Grand Lake hosts more parties for more great causes than anywhere else in the region.
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There are more party places on the near horizon, by the way. If you haven’t already heard, Monkey Island Pub has sold. With the new owners comes a new name. The popular Island watering hole will reopen as The Monkey Bar as soon as the owners can get their liquor license. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar will also be opening on the Island with a 2024 season-opening date of May 17. Mark it down.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: A special shout-out to Grove Airport Manager Lisa Jewett who was named Airport Manager of the Year by the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association annual conference at Shangri-La last week. Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Glo Reherman, Soohyun Jin, Cindy Estes, Judi Barber, John Lewis, Brad Putman, Mike McCown, Brian Laughlin, Julie Morgan, Becky Farley, Tom Haynes, Emily Tyrrell, Robin Markwell, Nancy Brandwein, Steve Davis, Connie King, Lori Stanphill, and Dick Lane.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday, the Grand Lake Newcomers Club hosts a “New Newcomer Lunch” at Chickanellas on Monkey Island (11:00 a.m), and the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly membership luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.). Thursday-Sunday, the Miami Little Theater presents the musical “Oklahoma” at the Coleman Theatre Beautiful (7:00 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 Sunday). Friday & Saturday is the Ketchum School’s production of The Little Mermaid at the Elementary School Gym (7:00 p.m.). Saturday is the Ottawa County Arts Festival in Miami (10:00 a.m.). Saturday night is “Game Show Saturday” at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Sunday afternoon is the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce Pickleball Mixer at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (2:00-6:00 p.m.). Next Tuesday is “Tuesday Trivia” competition at The Anchor at Shangri-La.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: REO Motor Co., most remembered today for the bands REO Speedwagon and Diamond Rio (which unintentionally misspelled "Reo"), was founded by and named for Ransom E. Olds following his rancorous 1904 departure from Oldsmobile. REO was originally known for high-end automobiles, including the 1912 special touring car that was the first to travel from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia, a total of 4,176 miles.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Texas A&M University has an enrollment of 74,829 – the largest student body in the United States.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: You can’t hum while you’re pinching your nose. Go ahead and try.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Living with a dog is 90% following each other around, watching each other go potty, and wondering what the other has in their mouth.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: WARNING: Vehicles Entering and Leaving Parking Lot
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BEST “NOTE TO SPOUSE” SEEN THIS WEEK: “Hey, Babe. I’m at work. Dinner is on the stove. You just have to light it. The gas is already turned on. Love you.”
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Apparently, I promised to have two drinks and be home by ten. I always get those two confused.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: When you teach a wolf to meditate…then that wolf becomes aware wolf.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Am I breaking the law when I drive past those signs on the highway that say, “Do not pass”?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Growing tomatoes is the best way to devote 3 months of your life to saving $2.17.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I’m a feminist. I’ve been a female for a long time now. It’d be stupid not to be on my own side.” – Maya Angelou
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Actor Peter Billingsley, best known for his role as Ralphie in the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” turned 53 last week. Actor Kevin Bacon accepted the invitation from students at the Utah high school where he filmed his classic movie “Footloose.” He may be sorry he went. One of the students at the school told the actor, “My grandfather was a student here when you filmed that movie.” It was forty years ago.
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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 Doc’s Bar & Grill. Friday night, Ryan Graham entertains live at Doc’s. Randall George will perform Friday night and Kevin Upshaw will be live Saturday night at Blind Swine Monkey Island. DJ K-Bandito provides the musical fun Friday and Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze.
On South Grand, The RocKFiscH Trio entertains Saturday night at the Drunken Rooster in Cleora. Magen Faulconer will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The Michelle Warren Duo Saturday night.
In Grove, Interim entertains Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s 655 Venue. There are two nights of live music this week at Cherokee Casino featuring Jesse Joice Friday night and Encore Saturday night.
The Sweet Trouble Trio starts the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by The Sweet Trouble Band Friday and MoArk Mojo Saturday.
Until Now performs Friday night in Backwoods Bar at Buffalo Run Casino followed by Ronnie Pyle & The Drivers Saturday night. In Club 60 West at River Bend Casino, Diversity will be on stage Saturday night at 7:00 followed by late night karaoke with DJ Kay beginning at 11:00.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Wednesday is a “Tap Takeover” by Mountain Fork Brewery at The Anchor Sports Bar at Shangri-La (4:00-8:00 p.m.). Blind Swine Duck Creek is now open weekends (open Friday-Sunday until May – then Tuesday-Sunday). 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 Saturdays & Sundays for limited hours. They’ll hit their full summer schedule the first week of May.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The NFL Draft kicks off with coverage on ABC at 7:00 Thursday evening. Jon Stewart hosts The Daily Show Monday night at 10:00 on The Comedy Channel. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman returns to NETFLIX next Tuesday.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Unsung Hero and Challengers open in movie theaters Friday.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Saturday, May 2-4 – Miami Little Theater presents the musical “Oklahoma” at the Coleman Theatre Beautiful (7:00 p.m.). Friday, May 3 – Imagine Grand art display & sale on the Grove City Hall lawn. Friday, May 3 – First Friday Wine Share at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Friday-Sunday, May 3-5 – Community-wide Garage Sale Days in Grove. Saturday, May 4 – First “Farmers Market” of the year in downtown Grove (8:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 4 – Cinco de Poker Derby fundraiser for the Monkey Island Trail at various Island stops (12:00-6:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 4 – Celtic Day at Har-Ber Village (9:00-3:00). Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Port Pirate Poker Run benefiting Ketchum kids (10:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 4 – Imagine Grand art display & sale at Lendonwood Gardens. Saturday, May 4 – Kentucky Derby Party at Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club (3:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 4 – Burning of the Socks at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (4:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 4 – Shangri-La Marina/Nichols Marine Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5 – Nichols Marine In-Water Boat Show at Shangri-La Marina (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Sunday, May 5 – Battlefield 1st Anniversary Golf Scramble at The Battlefield at Shangri-La. Thursday, May 9 – Grove Chamber Monthly Membership Meeting at City Hall (12:00 p.m.). 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. Saturday, May 18 – Sounds of Summer Car Show & Festival at Marina Del Rey Resort (1:00-6:00 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).
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NBA Playoffs continue daily. Thunder/Pelicans games are Wednesday, Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday.
PGA Golfers are in the Crescent City this week for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Coverage begins at 2:30 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. San Antonio faces Arlington and Birmingham plays Houston, both at 6:00 Saturday. Sunday, St. Louis plays D.C. at 11:00 and Michigan battles Memphis at 2:00.
NASCAR drivers are in Dover this week for the Wurth 400. Coverage is on FS1 beginning Sunday afternoon at 1:00.
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Weather for the weekend ahead looks very nice. We may have a scattered shower or two Sunday, but we’ll mostly be treated to sunshine and high temperatures in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s. Maybe the weather we’ve been hoping for is finally here. Good timing, too, because there’s a lot happening this weekend. 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
Chickanellas 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
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