June 8 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum
Last Saturday’s irritating downpour of rain resulted in the cancellation of several outdoor events, but it was certainly good for bars & restaurants who offer indoor seating options. The rain didn’t slow down the participants in the Big Bass Bash, though. They had better weather Sunday, but by then folks were already weighing in 7+ pound bass. Yep. Grand Lake is still the best bass fishing lake in the country!
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I know you’re as sick of all the political commercials as I am; but it’ll all be over soon – for a little while. Primary Election Day is next week. We’ll at least cut down the field of candidates significantly. Aside from the candidates, there’s also a State Question on the ballot, asking voters whether or not we want to join Arkansas and Missouri by raising the minimum wage. Vote however you believe; but I believe nobody should have to work the first hour of the day just to buy two gallons of gas to get to and from work, and the next two hours to buy lunch.
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On the other end of the spectrum, Space-X is expected to release the largest IPO ever with stock sales being offered as early as this week. When the company goes public, Elon Musk will become the world’s first trillionaire.
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With the Primary Election next week, it may be too late…but you would think the powers of the Republican party would inform their candidates that they should probably not be running against “all the fraud, waste, and abuse” in state government. It is, after all, their own party that has been in control of the state government for almost 20 years.
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All of the radio, TV and social media commercials, newspaper & magazine ads, billboards and yard signs can certainly be confusing to us all. In my case, the yard signs are especially confusing. I voted early – and I think I may have voted for a Realtor.
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Flag Day is Sunday – and, of course, it’s also President Trump’s birthday. I think I may have found a clue as to why all of the musicians canceled their scheduled appearance at President Trump’s defunct “Freedom 250 Great American State Fair.” The talent recruiter and booking agent handling talent for the event was named….wait for it…Jeff Epstein. Seriously. You can’t make this stuff up.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Matt Nash, Bill Pettit, Marnie Pettit, Jennifer Andrews, Lindsay Shumaker, Ron Young, Amy Chapman, Lynn Bowker, Terry Barker, Leigh Bentley, Kara Vorderlandwehr, Gary Pope, Derrick Pelcher, Eddie Estes, and Miranda Fields.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: It is a HUGE weekend of fabulous events on Grand Lake. Thursday night is “Thursday Trivia” at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). American Heritage Music Festival and National Fiddle Contest at Har-Ber Village is Thursday-Saturday (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.). The awesome Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park & Expo Center is also open Thursday-Sunday in Grove. In conjunction with the Toes in the Grand Festival, there will also be Thunder on Wolf Creek Hydroplane Races Friday & Saturday. Friday evening is a Business After Hours at Grand Towne Center in Langley (5:30-7:30 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.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Aircraft are parked in hangars instead of hangers because hangar is derived from old French and Germanic words meaning “enclosure near a house” Until airplanes came along, hangars were basically farm sheds. Then aviators began pushing their planes into those sheds to protect them from the weather, and soon the original meaning of “hangar” was forgotten.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: More history. When Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby, trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Run for the Roses. Saturday, when Golden Tempo won the Belmont Stakes, DeVaux became the first female trainer to win two Triple Crown races.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s ban on transgender military members was ruled unconstitutional on the first day of Pride Month.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: A good relationship is when she is by your side during bad times…to tell you that none of this would’ve happened if you had just listened to her.
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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: When people get worn down and worn out, they typically need some version of a “cation”: either a vacation, staycation, medication, or intoxication.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Please leave your ID or CREDIT CARD at the shop counter and advise the cashier the Pump Number. Thank you. Due to an increase in Drive-offs, we no longer accept wives as security.
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: A police officer came to my house and asked me where I was between 5 and 6. I guess “kindergarten” wasn’t the answer he was looking for.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Someone posted they had just baked some synonym buns. I replied, you mean just like the ones grammar used to make?
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why does it take 7-10 business days to deposit money in my bank account, when it takes 5-9 seconds to take it out?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I’m so sick and tired of my friends who can’t handle their alcohol. Over the weekend, they dropped me three times while carrying me to my car.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Those of us who are warm and dry and safe and well-fed must show up for those who are cold and wet and endangered and hungry. That’s a rule of life. Every ethical and religious and spiritual tradition in the world agrees on that rule.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Did you ever watch “Leave it to Beaver?” Maybe you still watch the reruns. Jerry Mathers starred as “The Beaver.” He turned 78 years old last week. Popular Welsh singing sensation Tom Jones is still performing. He turned 86 on Sunday. President Trump hit 80 years of age Sunday; and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden turned 75.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, there’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night at The Monkey Bar, followed by a live performance by Becky Sparkman Saturday night, and a Sunday afternoon/evening open jam with Becky. There’s Karaoke with Tim Robinson Thursday night on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00), and live music by Dillon Leggett Friday night at Doc’s. Saturday, DJ K-Bandito entertains poolside at Shangri-La (11:00-3:00), and the Dillon Leggett Band will be on stage at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar Saturday night (8:00-11:00). Magen Faulconer will perform at the Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda Friday night and at South 125 Bar & Grill next Wednesday. Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece will be at South 125 Bar & Grill Saturday night; and they also perform at Whitecap every Wednesday evening at 6:00.
On South Grand Lake, Whiskey Poet Society will be on stage Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by State 46 Saturday night, and Emily Hollingshed Sunday afternoon. The Smith Brothers start the weekend Wednesday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Jesse Dean Thursday, Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece Friday night, Travis Kidd Saturday night, and a special matinee performance by Sarah Hughes and Isayah Wofford Sunday (4:00). Magen Faulconer will be on stage Saturday night at Ugly’s Grill & Bar. Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece will also be at Blind Swine Duck Creek next Tuesday night with special guest Ethan McCord.
In Grove, the Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park features a boat load of live entertainment! The Charley Horse Band will be on stage at the festival Friday night at 6:30 followed by the Steel Ridge Band at 8:00. Saturday, the Jimmy Lee Jordan Band takes over at 6:30 followed by Bobby DeGonia at 8:00. Red Letters will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by Erin Fitzgibbon Saturday night.
Jon Dooly kicks off the weekend Thursday at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Thomas Martinez Friday, and Derryl Perry Saturday. Oreo Blue will be on stage at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by Red Letters Saturday night; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Morgan Squared Saturday night. Saturday night is a “Rockin’ Tribute” evening of fabulous music at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace with a variety of talented tribute bands – Wanted (Bon Jovi), Styx Illusion (Styx), Back in Black (AC/DC), and Journey Unauthorized (Journey).
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda is now open Thursday-Monday at 11:00 a.m. (closing at 3:00 p.m. Mondays). The Shebang has reopened under new ownership on Monkey Island. For those wondering about The Farmhouse (formerly The Artichoke) in Langley, they are planning an opening sometime in July.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new documentary series Surviving Earth debuts Thursday night at 7:00 on NBC. Mick Jagger will be the featured guest Sunday morning on Sunday Today with Willie Geist at 7:00 a.m. on NBC. America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is available next Tuesday on Netflix.
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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.). Friday, July 3 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La. Friday, July 3 – Wolf Creek Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday, July 3 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Saturday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks.
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In the world of sports, the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks are still battling for the NBA Championship. Games are scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and, as necessary next Tuesday and Friday.
We’re down to just two teams in the NHL, as well. The Stanley Cup Championship series continues between Carolina and Las Vegas Tuesday, Thursday, and, as necessary, Sunday and next Wednesday.
And – in the UFL, we’re also down to two teams. The Championship game will be played in Washington Saturday afternoon at 2:00.
It’s another big week for college sports. Softball is over, but now we’re down to the nation’s best baseball teams. The College World Series gets underway Friday with two games Friday and continuing through next Thursday. The Championship series begins next Saturday, June 20.
PGA Golfers are at TPC Toronto this week for the RCB Canadian Open. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday mornings on The Golf Channel. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.
NASCAR drivers are at Pocono this week for the Great American Getaway 400. Coverage begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on Prime Video.
Baseball fans have a big weekend. St. Louis is at Minnesota Saturday afternoon (1:00). The Giants host the Cubs Sunday afternoon (2:00) followed by the Rangers & Red Sox at 6:00. Kansas City is at Washington Monday at 5:45.
WNBA games have lots of televised action – especially if you’re following the Indiana Fever. They host Chicago Thursday night, then travel to Connecticut for a Saturday evening match-up; and they’re back home hosting Toronto next Tuesday.
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There’s still the pesky mention of “scattered thundershowers” in the forecast for the weekend ahead, but let’s keep the emphasis on “scattered.” Grand Lake is 66 miles long. It can’t rain everywhere at once! For the most part, we’ll have sunshine with high temperatures pushing 90 degrees and lows in the low 70s. Maybe a little cooler Sunday. There’s a LOT 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
