Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum June 17

I’m not sure what happened on Father’s Day. It looked like a lot of kids just brushed off their Dad’s and told ‘em “Go jump in the lake,” because a bunch of ‘em sure did! What a great day on the lake!

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If you’ve been wanting to spend the most time on the water during daylight hours, this is your week! The first official day of summer is Thursday. That means the weekend with the most daylight hours of the entire year is this weekend! Enjoy.

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The Grand Lake area is increasingly THE place to go! The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association last week announced the winner in the competition for “Best New Attraction in Oklahoma.” Congratulations to The Battlefield Par 3 Golf Course at Shangri-La Resort for taking top honors!

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I spent some time watching a few buddies who are pretty darn good golfers this week, and it left me puzzled about putting. I watched them prepare for a three-foot putt by squatting down to analyze the green, holding up their golf clubs in their line of sight, and standing over the golf ball of an excruciating amount of time before they finally hit it and watched it lip out of the cup and roll three feet the other side of the hole. They promptly reached across the hole and nonchalantly back-handed a swiping, awkward putt as the ball slipped easily into the hole. So…why don’t they always putt like that?

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It’s a happy week in the Grand Lake area! With election week behind us, we won’t have to deal with the campaign name-calling and accusations of wrongdoings for another few weeks.  At least election year gives us all something to talk about.

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I know all things go through phases & trends, but what’s the deal with crab legs? Did it slip past me that it’s crab season on Grand Lake? Two months ago, you couldn’t find crab legs at any restaurant on the lake. Now, they’re the special at 50% of the restaurants around here. I’m still partial to the shrimp boils. The meat in crab legs is delicious, all right, but it’s not worth the battle to get to it!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: I missed a really important birthday last week. Former Oklahoma Governor and longtime Grand Laker George Nigh celebrated his 97^th birthday June 9! Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Cory Bowker, Lisa Arizpe, Teesha Richardson, Brittani Isaac, Sandy Busch, Gary Palu, Tom Giefer, Davis Hudiburg, Jim Chapman, Sharie Cox, Jeremy Mullen, Bob Reynolds, Mary Reneau, Joe Langley, Autumn Love, Victoria Bossler, Jason Benson, and Jason Morgan.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: This week is the final week of the hilarious one-woman show, Ann, at Playmakers in Grove with performances Thursday, & Friday (7:00), and Sunday (2:00). Thursday is the America’s Boating Club Grand Lake Summer Kickoff dinner at The Landings (4:30 p.m.) and a Grove Chamber Business After Hours at INTEGRIS Health (5:00-6:30 p.m.). Thursday night is Shrimp Boil & Karaoke night on Doc’s Patio & Lawn at Shangri-La. Friday is the rescheduled “Final Friday” celebration at Langley City Park – food trucks from noon-7:30 and Jana Jae performing at 6:30. Friday & Saturday, The Anchor at Shangri-La features summer Lawn-a-thon family fun with inflatable games on the Anchor Lawn (1:00 p.m.). The Picture in Scripture Amphitheater features live performances of Ruth Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Laken Zimmerman offers Yoga on the lawn at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La. Saturday morning is also “Farmers Market” in downtown Grove (8:00 a.m.). Saturday afternoon, Jason Morgan hosts SINGO competition at The Anchor (3:00-5:00), and Saturday afternoon is a Co-Ed “Drivers” Golf Clinic at the Championship Course at Shangri-La (3:00 p.m.). Saturday afternoon & evening is the Battle in the Saddle Pony Express Races & Juneteenth Celebration at Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita (4:00 p.m.-midnight).

Next week, the Youth Pickleball Camp is at Shangri-La Racquet Club Monday-Wednesday (8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) daily.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The engine from the wrecked Porsche Spyder in which James Dean died was put into a race car that promptly crashed, killing the driver.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Ardmore, Oklahoma native Sylvan Goldman invented a piece of equipment in 1937 to make shopping easier for shoppers at the Humpty Dumpty grocery store chain, which he owned. It’s called a “shopping cart.”

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: In 1649 Charles 1 was tried for treason and other “high crimes.” The Monarch responded with the maxim: “The King can do no wrong and therefore he cannot be tried or convicted.” He was beheaded ten days later.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: If a package of bacon isn’t resealable, it contains one serving. That’s just science. I didn’t make the rules.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Entrance only. Do not enter.  

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I knew the psychic was no good the instant she accepted my check.   

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PUN OF THE WEEK: I have a friend who writes music about sewing machines. He’s a Singer songwriter. Or sew it seams.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you drop soap on the floor, is the result that the soap is dirty – or is the floor clean?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: It’s hard to believe we once sent a big yellow book to everyone’s house listing yours and everyone else’s assassination coordinates.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake, you know?” – Ernest Hemingway

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Two legendary musicians who are still performing and never seem to age – the legendary Paul McCartney turns 82 this week, and Barry Manilow turns 81.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend with Thursday Night Karaoke at the Shrimp Boil on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La. Friday night, Ryan Graham entertains live at Doc’s. There is karaoke fun on The Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday night, Whiskey Poet Society headlines the weekend musical fun at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (8:00-11:00). Wednesday night is “Cocktails & Karaoke” night at Blind Swine and Thursday night is DJ Night at the Swine Monkey Island location. Zane Smith will be on stage Friday night at The Swine, followed by Steve Homby Saturday. Magen Faulconer leads the musical fun Friday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. DJ Kyle Bandito takes over Saturday night.

On South Grand, the Drunken Rooster has karaoke every Thursday night, and this week, Glam R Us entertains Saturday night. Jamie Hooper will be on stage early Thursday night (6:30) at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The Hydramatics Friday night, The Dustin & Ayngel Duo Saturday and an early show Sunday (4:30 p.m.) featuring Erin Fitzgibbon.  RocKFiscH will headline Saturday night fun at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina followed by a Sunday afternoon show (3:30) by Garrett Brown.

In Grove, there are two nights of live entertainment at Cherokee Casino Grove – Uncrowned Kings Friday night and Erin Fitzgibbon Saturday. Morgan Squared headlines Friday night entertainment at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655.

In Club 60 West at River Bend Casino, The Beer & Chicken Band entertains Saturday night, and there is late night karaoke with DJ Kay beginning at 11:00 Saturday night. Taylor Austin Dye entertains at Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Casino Saturday night. Bad Decisions will perform at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar Saturday night.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: After a brief period of closing to take care of some family responsibilities, Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant has reopened in Grove. Fruity Patooties is now open at Grand Towne Center and Storage in Langley. Hero’s Deli is also now open in Langley, and Bradford BBQ is now open in Ketchum. Blind Swine on Duck Creek now features Lobster Rolls every Saturday night. The Island Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina has re-opened – seven days a week! Shangri-La’s Thursday Night Shrimp Boil & Karaoke will be at Doc’s patio this week.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The legendary Henry Winkler will be the featured guest on Sunday Today at 7:00 Sunday morning on NBC. Biography: Alice Cooper airs Sunday night at 9:00 on A&E. I Am: Celine Dion will be available next Tuesday on Prime Video.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Bikeriders, The Exorcism and Kinds of Kindness open in movie theaters Friday.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 27 – Grand Laker Newcomers’ Club New Newcomer Lunch at East Buffet in Grove (11:30 a.m.). Thursday-Sunday, June 27-28 – Grand Meridian RV Resort’s 7^th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest. Friday, June 28 – Grove Chamber Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (8:00 a.m.). Wednesday, July 2 – Vinita Fireworks at Craig County Fairgrounds. Thursday, July 3 – Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Thursday-Sunday, July 3-6 – Food Truck Roundup at Marina Del Rey Resort. Friday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks, Jay Fireworks, and Miami Fireworks. Friday, July 5 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La Resort. Friday, July 5 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Friday, July 5 – Blue Bluff Harbor Fireworks. Saturday, July 6 – Mountain Mama’s Grand American Concert in Tia Juana (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, July 6 – Gran Tara Fireworks and Horse Creek Fireworks near the Unfinished Bridge.  

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The College World Series continues this week with games every day at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. through next Wednesday, maybe Thursday, if necessary. The Championship Series is scheduled to begin Saturday at 6:30. Game 2 will be Sunday afternoon at 1:00 and Game 3, if necessary, will be Monday night at 6:00.

PGA Players are in Connecticut this week for the Travelers Championship. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds of coverage at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

NASCAR drivers are in New Hampshire this weekend. Coverage of The USA 301 begins at 1:30 Sunday afternoon, appropriately enough, on USA Network.

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The weather forecast for the weekend ahead looks just as perfect as the one right behind us. We’ll have sunshine for the most part with light winds, highs in the lower 90s and lows in the low 70s – so get out there and enjoy the great offerings of Grand Lake entertainment! 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

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

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

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Fruity Patooties at Grand Towne Center in Langley

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

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