Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum June 3
This weekend at Grand Lake makes it look like there wasn’t much going on Memorial Weekend. It’s festival week and special event party week all around the lake – the Toes in the Grand Festival, American Heritage Music Festival, Barkarita, and Boats, Bikes & BBQ are all on this week’s busy agenda – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg (details later in the column).
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The instant Memorial Day was over, social media inquiries started stacking up asking when there are 4th of July Fireworks displays around the lake. There are lots of them in nearby communities, but here are the dates for the biggies that are accessible by both land and water: Wolf Creek Park in Grove July 3, Duck Creek on July 4, Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La and Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney both on Friday, July 5. Spread the word.
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The “NAPA Nights” fundraising celebration at the South Grand Lake Regional Airport was another great party over the past weekend – but the most important part of it was honoring my old buddy Brent Howard who has treated that awesome airport like his own child since it was a raggedy grass landing strip. Grand Lake is blessed with three great airports – but South Grand Regional has been an incredible up-from-the-bootstraps success story grounded in never-ending community support, largely thanks to Brent Howard’s efforts.
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Heads up. You might want to think twice before spending a lot of time around Fox News co-host Charlie Hurt. He confessed the other day that he doesn’t take many showers. “Showers are terrible for you. They’re awful,” he said. “I take showers if I’m going to be around a lot of people. You don’t want to smell bad for other people, but this is why you live on a farm. You live on a farm, you don’t have to take showers.”
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At least for the time being, we can mark ourselves safe. The Oklahoma legislative session officially ended last week. Whew! We’re fortunate they didn’t do any more damage than they did!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Donna Ferguson, Gordon Kucera, Kim Schoppa, Mary Jobst, Dave Moore, Bill Pettit, Marnie Pettit, Matt Nash, Lindsay Shumaker, and Ron Young.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: It’s a giant weekend party at Wolf Creek Park in Grove with multiple events. It’s time for the awesome Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park Friday & Saturday, as well as the Grand Lake YMCA Triathlon Saturday (7:00 a.m.) and boat races Saturday & Sunday. But there’s plenty of other action all around the lake. Thursday is a Foam Party at the Grove Public Library (10:00 a.m.-Noon). Thursday night is the weekly Shrimp Boil & Karaoke at Shangri-La. This week it’s at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (5:00 p.m.). Thursday, Friday & Saturday, Jana Jae hosts the American Heritage Music Festival - Thursday night at Snider’s Campground, and Friday & Saturday at Har-Ber Village (Friday at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at 8:00). Friday is opening night for the hilarious one-woman show, Ann, at Playmakers in Grove (7:30). There is also a show Sunday at 2:00. Friday is also the monthly First Friday Wine Share at The Monkey Buzz in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.), the annual Barkaritaville Fundraiser benefiting Second Chance Pet Rescue at Honey Creek Barbeque at Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove (6:30-10:00 p.m.), and a fun “Dink & Drink” pickleball mixer at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La Friday night (7:45 p.m.). 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.). 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 is also a PING Fitting Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (9:00 a.m.-1:00) and Boats, Bikes & BBQ at MarineMax Grand Lake on Monkey Island (4:00-8:00 p.m.) followed by an after-party at Monkey Island RV Park. Saturday afternoon, Jason Morgan hosts SINGO competition at The Anchor (3:00-5:00), and Saturday afternoon is a Co-Ed “Short Irons” Golf Clinic at the Championship Course at Shangri-La (3:00 p.m.).
Next week, the South Grand Lake Chamber Golf Tournament is at Shangri-La Golf Club (noon shotgun), the Youth Tennis Camp is at Shangri-La Racquet Club Monday-Wednesday (8:30 a.m. daily), and the Grand Lake Newcomers Club celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a lunch at the Grove Community Center Tuesday (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Billy Preston was Saturday Night Live’s first musical guest – October 11, 1975. He performed “Nothing from Nothing.”
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Even if you’re dyslexic, it’s easy to leave a note. “Dammit I’m Mad” spelled backwards is still “Dammit I’m Mad.”
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: There is a road in France that can only be used twice a day for a few hours. Twice a day, at high tide, the Passage du Gois disappears under 13 feet of water.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: The only thing Columbus “discovered” was that he was lost.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Private Road. Residents have Guns and Backhoes. Turn Around.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: There’s 2 typos of peoples in this world: those who always noticing spelling & grammatical errands, and them who doesn’t.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: I bought a head of lettuce from a small grocery store called “Mamas and Papas.” I can’t eat it because all the leaves are brown.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is it just me, or does no one disappear in the Bermuda Triangle anymore?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Today I learned the average person consumes nine alcoholic drinks per week. Today I also learned I’m above average.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.” – Mark Twain
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: There are lots of things to make us all feel old this week. Two-time NBA Champion, MVP and Hall of Famer Bill Walton died last week. He was 71. Gary Burghoff, best known for his classic role of Radar O’Reilly on the epic TV series M*A*S*H, turned 81 last week. Iconic singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is 83. Legendary actor/writer/producer/narrator Morgan Freeman turned 87 over the last weekend; and the final episode of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour aired on CBS 50 years ago this week!
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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 at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar. Friday night, Scott Musick entertains live at Doc’s. There is karaoke fun on The Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday night, Kevin Price & The Closers headline 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. Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night at The Swine, followed by Boone Mendahall Saturday. Southern Accents headline the musical fun Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze; and Contraband entertains Saturday night at Monkey Island RV Park.
On South Grand, the Drunken Rooster has karaoke every Thursday night, and this week, RocKFiscH entertains Saturday night. Jamie Hooper will be on stage early Thursday night (6:00) at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The James Muns Band Friday night, Reverse Reaction Saturday and an early show Sunday (4:30 p.m.) featuring Dustin Pittsley with Ayngeldust. Rockwell will headline Friday night fun at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina followed by Empire Saturday night, and a Sunday afternoon show (3:30) by Steel Pony.
In Grove, there is an incredible lineup of performers at the Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park. Friday entertainers include Jeff Tatum and the Palomino Moon Band (5:00), Street Kings (6:30), and Braden Jamison and the Neon Strangers (8:00). Saturday’s festival line-up includes Porter Crossing (5:30), Steve Hamby & the Ways (7:00) and Tuesday’s Gone (8:30). Brett N’ Terri provide the Friday night entertainment at the Barkarita fundraising party at Honey Creek BBQ.
In Club 60 West at River Bend Casino, Black Eyed Jack entertains Saturday night, and there is late night karaoke with DJ Kay beginning at 11:00 Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Hero’s Deli is now open in Langley. Bradford BBQ is now open in Ketchum. 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 Eddy’s Lakeside Bar this week.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The first two of 10 episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution are available Thursday on Paramount+. The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards air live Friday night at 7:00 on CBS. NBC News Special: Interview with Celine Dion airs next Tuesday night at 9:00 on NBC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Bad Boys: Ride or Die and School of Magical Animals 2 open in movie theaters Friday.
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SAVE THE DATE: Performances of the hilarious one-woman show, Ann, continue at Playmakers in Grove with performances every Thursday, & Friday (7:00), and Sunday (2:00) until June 21. Friday, June 14 – Opening night for “The Story of Ruth” at Picture in Scripture Amphitheater. Friday & Saturday, June 14-15 – Route 66 Festival in Vinita. Saturday, June 15 – Jungle Party poolside at Cherokee Yacht Club (8:00 p.m.). Monday-Friday, June 17-21 – Grove Police Department Summer Youth Academy (8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Saturday, June 22 – Battle in the Saddle Pony Express Races & Juneteenth Celebration at Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita (4:00 p.m.-midnight). Thursday-Sunday, June 27-28 – Grand Meridian RV Resort’s 7th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest. 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. Friday, July 5 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La Resort. Friday, July 5 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney.
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The Women’s College World Series continues this week with the Championship Series set for Wednesday, Thursday and, if necessary, Friday. Games are at 7:00.
It’s time for the NCAA Baseball Super Regionals which get underway Friday and continue through Monday. The Super Regionals determine who will make it to the College World Series which begins June 14.
NBA Playoffs are nearing the end. We’re down to the final two teams – Dallas and Boston. The first game of the NBA Championship series is Thursday at 7:30 followed by Game 2 Sunday at 7:00 and Game 3 next Wednesday at 7:30.
PGA Golfers are headed to Dublin, Ohio this weekend. Coverage of The Memorial begins on the Golf Channel at 1:00 Thursday & Friday, 11:30 Saturday and Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 1:30 Saturday and Sunday.
NASCAR drivers are in Sonoma, California this weekend. Coverage of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 begins Sunday at 2:30 on Fox.
The French Open tennis action wraps up this week. Women’s Finals will air on NBC Saturday from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Men’s Finals are Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., also on NBC.
It’s Conference Championship Weekend for UFL Football. Michigan and Birmingham face off Saturday at 2:00. San Antonio meets St. Louis Sunday at 6:00.
It’s time for the final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The Belmont Stakes is actually being run at Saratoga this year due to track renovations at Belmont Park. Coverage begins on Fox at 3:00 Saturday. Post time is approximately 5:45.
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The weather forecast for the weekend ahead looks like the last eight weekends. “A chance of scattered thunderstorms.” What else is new? Temperatures will be nice, though – highs in the mid 80s and lows in the mid-60s. We’ll have sunshine for the most part – so get out there and enjoy the unbelievable array of Grand Lake entertainment options! 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
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
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
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
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