April 27 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

The month of May means the Grand Lake arrival of folks who still are under the false impression that there is still such a thing as an “off-season” at Grand Lake. All the events in the past few weeks and months provide the proof that, if there is still an “off-season” at Grand Lake, it’s probably January 10-31…and that’s only because our Grand Lake boat dealers are all kicking off a new season at boat shows! At any rate, if you still think the “season” starts in May…you've missed a lot of fun...but welcome back!

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You think Grand Lakers are willing to pony up for great causes if the party is right? The annual Sh*tshow Talent(?) show at Big Shots raised more than $8,000 for Second Chance Pet Rescue in honor of the late great Monkey Islander Kelly Whitehead. What a great legacy!

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We’re raising a new generation of Grand Lakers who may out-perform all of the generosity of the adult Grand Lakers! The incredible kids participating in charitable fundraising for C.O.W. Week (Change Our World) at Grove High School raised almost a quarter million dollars for an outdoor activity and learning complex. These awesome kids raised $227,441.00. When the program started ten years ago, they raised $15,000 in the first year. These kids are absolutely incredible. If we can keep ‘em at Grand Lake after they graduate, our future is bright!

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Your State Senate left millions of dollars on the table while pretending to save you and me from our own human weaknesses last week. Once again, they turned down the legalization of sports betting (which is legal in 39 states and the District of Columbia). All of the self-serving debate was about the dangers of gambling. We shouldn’t have the choice because we’re too weak, I guess. That’s not the real reason they voted it down, of course. The real reason is Governor Stitt would veto it because he’s at war with the Native American tribes – and there aren’t enough legislative votes to override his veto. It’s worth noting that $3.3 billion was wagered on the recent “March Madness” of college basketball – and that’s just the LEGAL wagering. In Oklahoma, we prefer to leave that money in the hands of illegal bookmakers. The Senate didn’t stop sports betting, of course. They just eliminated the ability to collect state revenue and legalize it. By the way, do you have your NBA Playoff Bracket complete? Also…the Kentucky Derby is this weekend. Who ya’ got?

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The United States Congress only has one more point to go to tie their record! The lowest approval rating Congress has ever had is 9%. A new Gallup poll says the current approval rating of Congress is 10%. But just watch. Folks who give Congress low ratings will still re-elect their own member. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Tom Haynes, Emily Tyrrell, Robin Markwell, Nancy Brandwein, Steve Davis, Jami Longacre, Connie King, Lori Stanphill, Dick Lane, Terry Jordan, Carla Lillie, Charlie Wallace, Michael Garner, Brent Beyers, Brenda Sheffield, Barbara Barnes, Ginger Richey, Paula Sanford, Micheal Bergstrom, and Dean Strimple.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: What a weekend. It looks like organizers decided to jam an entire summer season of fun into the first weekend of May. Thursday is a South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” at Sassy & Classy and Duck Creek Liquor at Grand Meridian (4:00-6:00 p.m.). Thursday night is “Thursday Trivia” at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Friday-Sunday, May 1-3 – Grove City Wide Garage Sales (7:00-5:00). Friday is also Food Truck Friday and a Creative Alliance Arts Festival at the Downtown Square in Grove (5:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday is the year’s first Farmers Market at Grove’s Downtown Square (8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). On Monkey Island, Saturday is the much anticipated Cinco de Poker Derby with golf cart travelers and stops at popular Monkey Island spots, wrapping up at Big Shots for a party, auction, and entertainment. Saturday is also a Marina Connection Slip Renters’ Fair at Hammerhead Marina (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The prison yard where four conspirators in the Lincoln assassination were hung is now a tennis court.

The prison yard where four conspirators in the Lincoln assassination were hung is now a tennis court.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Michael Jordan: he isn’t just for basketball anymore. His NASCAR team broke a 40-year-old record by winning their fifth race in 2026.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was not selected in the 2026 NFL draft. He was the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014. The last actual winner of the Heisman Trophy to go undrafted was 2003 winner OU quarterback Jason White.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: You can’t scare me. I have daughters.

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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: How old were you when you found out HOSPITAL stands for “House Of Sick People Including Treatment And Labor”?

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Bourbon goes in. Wisdom comes out.

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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: If controversial FBI Director Kash Patel is upset that someone referred to him as J. Edgar Boozer, don’t let him know that I call him Rumdog Millionaire.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: With the record inflation we’re struggling with right now, my bills aren’t even “Bills” anymore. They’ve grown so much I call them “Williams.”

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why are the rebates of the illegal tariffs going to U.S. companies and corporations instead of the foreign countries who supposedly paid them? Oh, wait!

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Weird how crossing an entire ocean made so many people “Americans,” but crossing one river makes others “illegal.” Time sure changes things.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” – Benjamin Franklin

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Lots of superstars are completing another trip around the sun this week to make us all feel a little older. Comedic legend Carol Burnett turned 93 over the weekend. Super-actor Al Pacino turns 86 this week. Actress/dancer/singer/sex symbol Ann-Margret turns 85. Longtime “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is 76; and comedian Jerry Seinfeld is 72.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: It’s a huge weekend of entertainment on Monkey Island. The highly anticipated Ian Munsick concert at The Battlefield at Shangri-La is Saturday night. Gates open at 5:00. Concert starts at 8:00. To get Shangri-La guests warmed up, DJ Kyle hosts “Cinco de Mayo Straight Tequila Night at The Anchor Friday night. The Monkey Bar features Erin Fitzgibbon Thursday night, Karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night, and more live music from Magen Faulconer Saturday night. Southern Accents will entertain poker derby participants to wrap up the Cinco de Poker Derby fun at Big Shots Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, Lil’ Red and The Sidepiece will be at Hooker at Cherokee Yacht Club Friday night and at Juan Montez Saturday night. Sharky’s has a full schedule of entertainment for their opening weekend at Hammerhead Marina. Brett & Terri kick off the Sharky’s season Friday night. Saturday morning, Scott Bartholomew will entertain Marina Connection guests at Sharky’s starting at 10:30. Saturday night, RocKFiscH takes the stage – and Sunday afternoon at 3:00, Dillon Leggett will wrap up the weekend. The Hydramatics will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Ryan Graham Saturday night.

In Grove, Pier Pressure will entertain attendees at Food Truck Friday on the Downtown Square (5:00-9:00). The Downbeat will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by D’Elegantz Saturday night. There’s karaoke with DJ Laid Back Larry Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon.

The Cliff Boone Band starts the music Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar. Tribute Kings take over Friday night followed by Torn Saturday. Chris Hyde kicks off the weekend Thursday at Indigo Sky Casino followed by The BakBeatz Friday and Calvin Loron Saturday; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature The Brad Duvall Band Saturday night. Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar is temporarily closed for renovation.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Grand Opening of Red’s House BBQ is Friday at Ketchum Eats Food Park from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island has expanded hours for the season – open six days a week – at noon Wed-Friday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. Monday, offering brunch at 10:00 Saturday & noon Sunday. Cregan’s Confections in Ketchum begins new ours starting this weekend – 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. daily. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now open weekends at Harbors View Marina. Sharky’s is open for the season at Hammerhead Marina, and Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina is now open Saturday & Sunday. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La opens for the season Friday, May 15; and a new venue, “Miami Beach Oklahoma on Route 66” is scheduled to open Memorial Weekend at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami. Whitecap at The Landings Marina will open this month; and The Shebang on Monkey Island will also reopen later this month (currently closed due to new ownership).

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Dr. Seuss’s Horton! and Lord of the Flies will both be available on NETFLIX next Monday.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Devil Wears Prada 2, Animal Farm, Deep Water and Hokum debut in movie theaters this week.

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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 9 – Nichols Marine & Shangri-La Marina Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, May 15 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Quail Run Golf Course (12:00 p.m.). Friday, May 15 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La (4:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 16 – Art in the Garden event at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (9:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 16 – Mayfest at The Lake celebration at Grand Towne Center in Langley (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 16 – Burning of the Socks party at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (4:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday-Monday, May 22-25 – Memorial Day Run Rock Crawling at the Disney Off-Road Area (6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 23 – Memorial Weekend Fireworks Show at Honey Creek Landing Marina. Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Celebration & Veterans’ Appreciation Day at Har-Ber Village (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 30 – Grove Rotary Club Lobsterfest at Wolf Creek Expo Center (5:30-9:00 p.m.)

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In the world of sports, we’re wrapping up Round 1 of the NBA playoffs. Round 1 games will continue through Sunday, as necessary – and we’ll be ready to see the Round 2 matchups which will get underway next week.

As the NBA playoffs catch attention, it’s the biggest week of the year for horse racing. The Kentucky Oaks is Friday (7:00 on NBC). The Kentucky Derby Coverage begins Saturday afternoon at 1:30 on NBC with post time for the Derby at 5:57 p.m. I hope your horse wins.

There’s some fantastic softball on television this week, too. It’s the final week of regular season play. OU is at Texas A&M Thursday at 8:00 (SEC/ESPN), Friday at 5:00 (SEC/ESPN), and Saturday at 4:00 (ESPN2). Softball doesn’t have the entire spotlight. The OU-Florida baseball game Saturday will be televised at 6:00 on SEC/ESPN.

PGA Golfers are at Doral in Florida this week. Coverage of the Cadillac Championship begins on the Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

UFL Football play kicks off Thursday night at 7:00 this week with Louisville hosting St. Louis. Friday night at 7:00 Houston is at Columbus. Saturday morning, Dallas is at DC at 11:00 – and Orlando hosts Birmingham Sunday afternoon at 3:00.

There are some good Major League Baseball match-ups on TV this week, too. The Yankees host Baltimore Friday at 5:00, the Dodgers are at St. Louis Saturday at 6:00, Milwaukee is at St. Louis Monday at 6:30, and the Dodgers are at Houston Tuesday at 7:00.

NASCAR drivers are in Fort Worth this week. Coverage of the Wurth 400 is Sunday at 2:30 on FS1.

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Aside from the possibility of a Friday shower and a few clouds, the weekend weather ahead looks really good for all the planned outdoor activities. We’ll have high temperatures around room temperature, with lows in the upper 40s. It looks like a good weekend to have some Grand Lake fun – indoors OR outdoors! But remember, wherever you 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.

Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La

Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)

Billy’s Burger Bar & More in Ketchum

Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

BOOM at The Regatta (at Sailboat Bridge)

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Casa Gutierrez in Gro

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

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)

Cregan’s Confections & Ice Cream (Ketchum)

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Domino’s in Grove

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Drift at the Regatta (at Sailboat Bridge in Grove)

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill (Cleora)

Drunken Rooster – on the Water (Grove)

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

Gambino’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

Hero’s Deli in Grove

Hero’s Deli in Langley

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)

Island Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina

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 Garcia’s 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

Our House BBQ 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

Poppin’ on Grand in Cleora

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor

R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Rise-N-Dine, Ketchum

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island

Roberts Bar & Restaurant in Langley

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

Scissortail Lounge at Scissortail Marina

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina

South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island

Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove

Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

The Artichoke Restaurant in Langley

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