June 15 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum
Grand Lake has another wild weekend in the rearview mirror, but at least the storms waited until the evenings to allow a big weekend of outdoor activities to enjoy the daylight hours. Lots of outdoor venues had to forego live Saturday night entertainment; but the Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park and the American Heritage Music Festival at Har-Ber Village were able to take advantage of nice daytime weather; and Grand Towne Center in Langley dodged the storms with an awesome Business After Hours Friday evening. Nighttime storms were big trouble, but the days had something for everyone – shorts & tee-shirt weather Saturday and sweater weather Sunday. One more thing: the next person who says to me, “but we needed the rain,” is gonna get smacked right in the mouth!
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There was another huge happening on the lake Saturday when surprised boaters looked up to see the iconic Cherokee Queen riverboat sailing alongside them. I haven’t heard anything about plans for the return of public rides on the legendary paddle-wheeler, but it was a nostalgic moment to see her underway after years of total neglect while sitting quietly in dockage.
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It was a big weekend in Washington for President Trump’s birthday weekend, too. It began with the court-mandated removal of his name from the Kennedy Center. The removal was delayed by the Presidential order to erect a gigantic tarp in front of the building so the gathered spectators could not see the humiliation of workers peeling his name off the building; but Mother Nature supplied a little input with a gigantic double rainbow. She also frowned with threatening weather on the big UFC fight on the White House lawn where crowds anticipated a return to the days of the Roman Empire, hoping to see gladiators do public battle to please the Emperor.
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Back home in Oklahoma, as we put the Primary Election behind us and look forward to the August run-off elections, it is absolutely astonishing that wealthy candidates continue to try to buy their way into office. The four best-known Republican candidates – Mike Mazzei, Gentner Drummond, Chip Keating, and Charles McCall – have spent at least $22.5 million of the OWN MONEY on their campaigns, including almost $10.9 million by Mike Mazzei alone! Why anyone would want to spend $10.9 million trying to get a $185,000-per-year job is beyond me. Things that make you go…”Hmmmm.”
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And now, here we are at Father’s Day weekend. C’mon, don’t make your dad cook grill steaks for everyone. You didn’t make your mom cook on Mother’s Day. Same rules apply. If you really want to do your dad a big favor, wash his boat, fill it with fuel, add some beer & snacks, then push him gently out of his slip while you remain on the dock. Nothing says, “I love you, Dad,” like giving him a day of peace and quiet on the water!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Kevin Dennis, Amy Zoellner, Kelly Rossman, Shelly Soliz, Josh Russell, Mike Ward, Cory Bowker, Chad Dillingham, Lisa Arizpe, Sandy Busch, Gary Palu, Tom Giefer, Tricia Reynolds, John Landers, Yvonne Burns, Sharie Cox, Jim Chapman, Bob Reynolds, and Jeremy Mullen.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday night is “Thursday Trivia” at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Farmers Market is open Saturday 8:00-1:00 on Grove’s Downtown Square; and Saturday Morning Market in Langley is open Saturday 9:00-12:00 next to Reasor’s. Sunday there is a Father’s Day cookout on the north patio of Shangri-La’s clubhouse (4:00 p.m.). Sunday night is a “Summer Sports Block Party” with fun event competition for all ages at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Next week, Shangri-La hosts “Junior Golf Camp” Monday-Wednesday at the Championship Course (8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: American author James Fenimore Cooper was expelled from Yale University for, among other things, locking a donkey in a small classroom and blowing up a fellow student’s door.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The most recent studies on the risk of dying during commercial air travel are now 1 per every 13.7 million boardings of aircraft. The risk of fatal injury during a commercial flight in the U.S. is significantly lower than the risk associated with running a marathon or…drowning while taking a bath.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: It’s 80,000 B.C. It’s the Ice Age. You are immortal. You save $10,000 every day and never spend a cent. 82,021 years later, you still don’t have as much money as Elon Musk.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: About 20 years ago, I took in a boy to raise, his biological mother didn’t want him anymore. He gets along so well with other kids, but he never listens to me, so I contacted his biological mother, but she doesn’t want him back. She said he became my problem when I married him.
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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: I hope Denmark and Sweden both end up playing each other in the FIFA World Cup playoff round. It’ll be the most fun of any scoreboard. It will list the competitors on the big board as SWE-DEN. The unused letters will spell DEN-MARK.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Toilet out of order. Feel free to use the changing table.
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: Kids today all carry around 40 oz. Stanley cups like they’re crossing the Sahara desert. We had one 3-second sip from a rusty school water fountain and went back to dodgeball, fighting for our lives.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: If you are allergic to seaweed, sea kelp.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I got a really nice letter from my bank saying my last month’s boat payment was “outstanding.” Should I send them a Thank You note?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Sometimes I shock myself with the smart stuff I say and do. Then, there are times when I try to get out of the car with my seatbelt on.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “That’s one trouble with our charities. We are always saving somebody away off, when the fellow next to us ain’t eating.” – Will Rogers
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: A serious competitor for the title of “All-Time Greatest,” Sir Paul McCartney, turns 84 this week. Longtime Today Show movie critic Gene Shalit died last week. Believe it or not, he was 100 years old. Comedian & actor Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice Goldfinger, celebrated a wedding anniversary last week. They have been married for 56 years – all 56 years to each other!
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, there’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Wednesday night and again Friday night at The Monkey Bar, followed by a live performance by Robbi Bell Saturday night. Robbi Bell will also be on hand to welcome new owners of Big Shots in a special Thursday night performance. There’s live music by Kevin Price Friday night at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La, an 80s party with Crystal Ott & DJ Kyle at The Anchor (9:00 p.m.), and a Time Machine Dance Party with DJ Kyle at 10:30. Saturday night, Bad Decisions will be on stage at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (8:00-11:00), and there’s Karaoke with Crystal at The Anchor (8:00-10:00). Magen Faulconer will perform at South 125 Bar & Grill Wednesday. Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece will be at Whitecap Wednesday evening and again Friday evening at 6:00.
On South Grand Lake, Dillon Leggett will be on stage Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by Reverse Reaction Saturday night, and Magen Faulconer Sunday afternoon. Vanessa Oxford starts the weekend Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Magen Faulconer is featured Saturday night at Mooney’s, followed by a special matinee performance by The Fitzgibbon Band Sunday (4:00). Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece will be at Blind Swine Duck Creek Saturday night (6:00) and again next Tuesday night with Dakota Marillo.
In Grove, Western Justice will be on stage at the R-Bar Friday night. The Bakbeatz will entertain both Friday & Saturday nights at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655. Zach Glover & Vintage start the musical fun Friday night at Cherokee Casino followed by Travis Kidd Saturday night.
The Kevin Currie Duo kicks off the weekend Thursday at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Sunset Circle Friday, and Oreo Blue Saturday. The Kentucky Headhunters will be on stage at the new Miami Beach OK at Buffalo Run Casino Friday night. Encore will be on stage at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by Analog Frogs Saturday night; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Jeff Tatum and the Palomino Moon Band Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Big Shots on Monkey Island is now under new ownership. The Shebang has reopened on Monkey Island, also under new ownership. For those wondering about The Farmhouse (formerly The Artichoke) in Langley, they are planning an opening sometime next month.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Simpsons: “Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition” airs Wednesday night on Disney+. The Agency returns on Paramount+ Sunday; and Rolling Stones co-founder Keith Richards 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: The Death of Robin Hood, Toy Story 5, and Girls Like Girls debut in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, June 26 – Grove Chamber’s “Coffee & Conversations” breakfast with elected officials at the Grove Community Center (8:00 a.m.). Thursday, June 27 – Wyandotte Nation Golf Tournament at Peoria Ridge Golf Course benefiting the NEO Veterans Cemetery (8:00 a.m.). Saturday, June 27 – Formula Boat Owners’ Rendezvous beginning at Honey Creek Landing Marina (11:00 a.m.). Wednesday, July 1 – Vinita Fireworks. Friday, July 3 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La, Grove Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove, Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney, Horse Creek Fireworks, Gran Tara Fireworks. Saturday, July 4 – “Toby Keith Day” Raft-Up in Woodard Hollow (12:00-4:00 p.m.). Saturday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks, Miami Fireworks, Blue Bluff Harbor Fireworks, Jay Fireworks. Saturday, July 25 – Grand Jam On The Water Concert in Duck Creek.
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It’s a big week for college sports. The College World Series continues this week. The Championship series begins Saturday (7:00) with Game 2 Sunday (1:30) and Game 3, if necessary, Monday at 6:00.
There are multiple FIFA World Cup games every day for the next few weeks. The United States plays again Friday at 2:00 taking on Australia. They won’t play again until next Thursday.
PGA Golfers are in New York this week for The U.S. Open. Coverage begins at 9:00 Thursday morning on USA. NBC picks up the final three rounds Friday at 12:30 and Saturday & Sunday at 11:00.
NASCAR drivers are at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego this week for the Anduril 250. Coverage begins at 3:00 Sunday afternoon on Prime Video.
Major League Baseball fans have a big weekend. The Dodgers host Baltimore Friday night (9:00). Cleveland is at Houston Saturday night (6:00). Milwaukee is at Atlanta Sunday afternoon at 12:30 followed by the Mets & Phillies at 6:00.
WNBA games have lots of televised action – especially if you’re following the Indiana Fever. They host Atlanta Thursday night, then trade places for a rematch Saturday at noon before returning home to host Phoenix Monday night. Seattle is at Phoenix Saturday afternoon, and Dallas hosts Chicago Saturday night.
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The weather forecast for Father’s Day weekend looks great for Grand Lake. For the most part, we’ll have sunshine with light winds, and high temperatures in the mid-80s and lows in the low 70s. There’s plenty happening around the lake this weekend, so get out and enjoy it. 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
