January 13 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

There’s no mid-winter break like Boat Show time! I went to the Oklahoma Boat Expo in Tulsa and it was incredible! The first couple of days, other folks (not me) were apparently snow scared – but the place was packed Saturday & Sunday! There were lots of exhibitors including 15 boat dealers – six of them the biggest dealers on Grand Lake. The biggest surprise was an actual VIP night before the show formally opened. I weaseled an invitation and was astonished. It was a REAL VIP night with lots of food and FREE adult beverages. That’s a far cry from the “VIP” night that had transformed into “Premier Night” where anyone could buy a ticket for that night and there were a couple of appetizer trays accompanied by $15 beer. Grand Lake dealers did it up right! If you missed the Expo, you missed a terrific show with some incredible new models of boats. LOTS of ‘em; but there’s another show coming up January 27-February 2 at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds. There will be several boat dealers at that one, too, including three great Grand Lake dealers.

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You could tell the Boat Expo is run by boat dealers because the show ended at 8:00 p.m. instead of 10:00 p.m. Everybody had plenty of time to enjoy the show and still find a restaurant that was open – and plenty of parties at Tulsa area bars.

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I’m equally excited about what promises to be a great party at the lake this Saturday night – “Ron Young in the Limelight – 90 Years of the Broadway Music Man.” My great friend Ron Young will be sharing memories and music from his many years on Broadway before he returned home to Grand Lake. He is without a doubt a true Grand Lake treasure. I can’t wait for a chance to share his best memories. The fun begins at 6:30 Saturday night in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La’s resort hotel. And it’s a free event!

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The “Chili Bowl” is apparently a popular event with a lot of Grand Lake racing fans. I thought it was a Tulsa restaurant – but, nope – it’s indoor auto racing, wrapping up this weekend at the Tulsa Fairgrounds, just in time to try to get all the dust out of the building so RV & Boat dealers can set up for the next big show January 27.

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NEWS ON A SERIOUS NOTE: I realize a lot of people have been wondering about it; and the answer is “Yes, Arrowhead Yacht Club is planning to rebuild after their devasting fire.” Joe Harwood released a statement over the past weekend announcing plans for groundbreaking next fall for a new restaurant/club/showroom at Arrowhead. Now you know!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Dale Forrest, Leslie Hudson, Diane Bruenger, Debbie Horany, Jeff Chaney, Benée Masri, Linda Young, Heather Robison, Carmelita Rocourt, Michael Westbrock, Suzan Caldwell, Tammy Dills, Tag Webb, Rick Craven, Marilyn VanGilder, Nancy Dalquest, Glenn Coffee, Barbara Rader, Ellen O’Dell, Tabitha Beyers, Jodi Locke, Kara Brixey, Amy Westbrock, Tami Bailey, Zach Wehlage, and Rex Wood.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Tuesday is “Tuesday Trivia Night with Lee Lawson” at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.) and Thursday is “Trivia Night” at both BOOM at The Regatta and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill. Thursday there are also a couple of “Dolly Day” celebrations sponsored by the Grove Rotary Club honoring Dolly Parton’s dedication to providing children’s books. Stop by the Grove Chamber for photo ops – then join the “Dolly Day Birthday Party” at Church on the Hill (4:00-700 p.m.). Friday night is “S’mores & More” fun for youngsters at The Anchor (6:00-9:00). Saturday is “An Evening with Ron Young in the Limelight-Ninety Years of the Broadway Music Man” in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Hotel (6:30 p.m.), and “Movie Night” in the simulator bay at The Anchor (6:00). Next Monday night is a giant CFP Championship Watch Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:30 p.m.).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Frosty the Snowman made his first appearance on June 2, 1950, when Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson published their ode as a potential follow up to Johnny Marks' 1949 hit, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Hone is the only food that will not rot. A jar of honey may remain edible for over 3,000 years. (Full disclosure – I’m not sure who fact-checked this.)

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Oklahoma is energy diversified. 42% of the energy used in our state comes from wind farms, and 50% from natural gas. Another smaller percent derives from solar and hydropower. Oklahoma is 3rd in the nation in wind use; top five in solar, and 6th in total natural gas production. Oklahoma creates more than three times as much energy as it consumes – and exports the rest.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Last night the Internet stopped working, so I spent a few hours with my family. They seem like good people.

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PALINDROME OF THE WEEK: “Mr. Owl ate my metal worm” spelled backwards is still “Mr. Owl at my metal worm.”

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: I learn from the mistakes of people who took my advice.

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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: I visited my sick uncle over the holidays and took some presents and a bottle of whiskey. I hope he doesn’t notice they’re gone.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: I hate spelling errors. You mix up two letters and your whole post is urined.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do chickens communicate using fowl language?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I called the Alcohol Helpline…but no one there knew how to make a mojito, either.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I don’t think we should be paid the same as NBA players. They get more views. But I do think WNBA players should be paid more than LIV golfers. Nobody watches them.” – Caitlin Clark

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The legendary singer/songwriter/philanthropist Dolly Parton turns 79 years old Sunday. Rock star singer & songwriter Rod Stewart turned 80. Singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow of the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, died last week at the age of 86; and the incomparable Elvis Presley, who died in 1977, would have turned 90 years old over the past weekend.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island DJ Kennedy leads Rockstar Karaoke Friday night at The Monkey Bar. Saturday night, former Broadway performer Ron Young entertains in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (6:30).

On South Grand Lake, Ryan Graham will perform Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill.

In Grove, Reversing Radio starts the weekend musical fun at Cherokee Casino, followed by Erin Fitzgibbon Saturday night. There’s karaoke every Wednesday night, Ty Ellis & the Flatliners will perform Friday night, and DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon. Morgan Squared will be on stage at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 Friday night followed by 3D Saturday night. The Golden Sounds of the Platters are featured Saturday night at the Grove High School Performing Arts Center (7:00 p.m.).

The Blue Underground will entertain Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar; and The Randy Rogers Band will perform at Buffalo Run’s Peoria Showplace Saturday night. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Diversity will provide the live music Saturday night. Phil McGarah & Runnin’ on Empty will entertain at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Thursday night and both Royale Lynn and Bobby DeGonia will perform Friday night. Comedian Rita Rudner will be on stage Thursday night at Downstream’s Pavilion. Low Compatibility will entertain at Indigo Sky Casino Thursday night, followed by Travis Kidd Friday and Oreo Blue Saturday.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Rise-N-Dine is a new restaurant opening in Ketchum this week. Breakfast at 6:00 a.m. starting Wednesday. Despite the tragic death of owner Matt Sowers, Matt’s Place in Grove is continuing normal operations in his honor (6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. seven days a week). Big Shots on Monkey Island is closed for the remainder of January. Blind Swine and One-Eyed Monkey cafe on Monkey Island and Bradford Barbecue in Ketchum are all three closed until Spring. Grand Lake Kitchen at Har-Ber Village is open throughout the winter months. Hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sunday & Monday, and 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (Closed Tuesday).

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new season of Law & Order debuts at 7:00 Thursday night followed by a new Law & Order: SVU at 8:00 and Found at 9:00. Real Time with Bill Maher returns to HBO Friday night at 9:00. Award-winning actress Glenn Close will be the featured guest on Sunday Today with Willie Geist Sunday morning at 7:00 on NBC.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Wolf Man, and One of Them Days open in movie theaters this weekend.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, January 23 – Grove Chamber Membership Luncheon at N.E. Tech in Grove (12:00 p.m.). Saturday, January 25 – “The Kornfield Friends”-Remembering Hee Haw Original Cast Members at the Grove High School Performing Arts Center (7:00 p.m.). Wednesday, January 29 – “Mom’s Unhinged” comedy show at the Coleman Theatre in Miami (7:00 p.m.). Wednesday, February 5 – Home of Hope Chocolate Affair at the Craig County Fairgrounds & Community Center in Vinita (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, February 7 – First Friday Wine Share at Stone Restore Solutions in Grove (6:00 p.m.). Sunday, February 9 – Super Bowl Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (5:00 p.m.). Friday, February 14 – Valentine Gala in Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La including dinner, dancing, live music (6:00 p.m.). Thursday, February 27 – South Grand Lake Chamber membership luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langle featuring Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. (11:30 a.m.).  

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In the college football world, we’re down to just two teams – Ohio State and Notre Dame. The CFP National Championship game will be Monday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The NFL is narrowing down the playoff teams, as well. Divisional Playoff games are Saturday & Sunday.

The NBA has a busy schedule. The OKC Thunder are bouncing around this week. After wrapping up a grueling road trip in Philadelphia Tuesday night, they are back home for a rematch with Cleveland Thursday (6:30) before traveling south to face Dallas Friday night (7:30). They’re back home hosting Brooklyn Sunday (6:00) and Utah next Wednesday (7:00).

PGA players are back on the mainland this week in La Quinta, California. Coverage of The American Express begins at 3:00 Thursday-Sunday exclusively on The Golf Channel.

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If you’re planning outdoor activities, you may want to start your weekend early. High temperatures Thursday & Friday will be in the mid-50s. But Saturday looks like mid-30s for highs – and Sunday may be down to mid-20s for high temperatures. If your “fun calendar” is marked for Saturday & Sunday, I’d plan for indoor fun. It’s an NFL Divisional Playoff weekend, anyway. 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)

Billy’s Burger Bar & More in Ketchum

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

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)

Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)

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 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

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

Regatta Restaurant & Bar at Sailboat Bridge, Grove

Riggs & Company in Langley

Rise-N-Dine, Ketchum

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

Scissortail Lounge at Scissortail Marina

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina

Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove

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 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