May 5 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum
If you weren’t at Grand Lake over the past weekend, you missed some incredible events! It sure was nice to be able to enjoy a little sunshine for a change! We burned our socks, we partied with marinas and boat dealers, ran a poker derby on the waters of south Grand, ran another one on golf carts on Monkey Island, enjoyed an in-water boat show and an arts festival, had great Kentucky Derby parties, opened another seasonally-operated bar, and listened to some fantastic live music. It was a little cool for folks to celebrate Worldwide Naked Gardening Day Saturday. At least, I didn’t see anyone celebrating; but I’ll be honest. There were so many great events, I could only make it to about half of them – but everyone had a fabulous time on Grand Lake. We always do!
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The weekend ahead is equally exciting. Shangri-La is pulling out all the stops this weekend – an Oyster Roast at The Battlefield Friday night, retailers’ market on the Grand Lawn Saturday, Food & Wine Festival Saturday evening with all-inclusive dining & drinking and the annual Grand Lake performance by the fabulous Old Bulldog Band, and a Farmers Market on the Grand Lawn at the hotel Sunday morning – plus a Wiffleball tournament and Mother’s Day Brunch at the Summit. If that’s not good enough, the festival benefits two awesome Grand Lake charities – DCCSAN and the 2nd Chance Pet Rescue. It oughta be quite the weekend of fun!
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I’m sure there are lots of folks cheering the “tax cut” legislation rolling through Congress – but we have to pay for those tax cuts for the rich guys somehow. The legislation contains some interesting ways to pay for it – increasing the tax on single parents, raising taxes for homeowners, and taxing college scholarships. That wouldn’t have been my recommendation, but maybe that’s why I’m not in Congress.
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While we’re all caught up in NBA basketball and the Thunder in the conference semifinals, we want to be sure to congratulate a couple of college teams. Last week, the OSU golfers took the Big XII title, and the OU Softball girls wrapped up the SEC regular season championship. Nicely done!
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In case it’s not on your calendar, Saturday is officially “National Golf Day.” I’m not sure if that’s to make sure there’s something for all the guys to get their fun in before spending the day fawning over the ladies on Mother’s Day the next day or not.
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Last week U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on social media, “I proudly ENDED the ‘Women, Peace & Security’ (WPS) program. WPS is yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops. It was a United Nations program pushed by feminists and left-wing activists. GOOD RIDDANCE!” He had to walk that back a little later in the day when he was informed that WPS was legislation that was written by Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he was in the Senate, championed by Ivanka Trump, and enacted by then-President Donald Trump in 2017. Oops. This faux pas reminds me of the famous Abraham Lincoln quote: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.”
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Tony Coatney, Kristi Wallace, Shelly Thomas, Cherie Long, Donna Belt, Charlie Swinton, Pam Wyrick, Curt Landry, Darryl Gupton, Roger Cook, Beverly Funke, Laura Strickland-Altom, Lyn Goss, Lorri Dyer, Pat McConn, Donna Altmiller, Joe Landon, Sheryl Hicks, Michael Wadel, and Carrie Moore.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Karaoke is back at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Thursday night (6:00-9:00). Thursday is also Trivia Night” at both BOOM at The Regatta and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill. Friday is the Chunking for Charity scramble golf tournament benefiting Abundant Hope at The Coves (9:00 a.m. Shotgun). Saturday morning is Farmers’ Market at the Grove Community Center. Saturday is also “Mayfest at the Lake” with a car show, food trucks, DJ & games at Grand Towne Center north of Langley (10:00-4:00). It’s a huge weekend at Shangri-La Resort. The fun starts Friday night with an Oyster Roast & Bonfire at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday is a Retail Market on the Grand Lawn at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) followed by the big “Back to the Boats Food & Wine Festival on the Anchor Lawn (4:00-10:00 p.m.) with food, beverages, and live entertainment. Sunday morning is a Farmers Market on the Grand Lawn at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) and Mother’s Day Brunch at The Summit Restaurant (11:00-5:00).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Famed entertainer Richard "Red" Skelton was also a skilled artist whose paintings are said to have earned more for him than his long-running television program.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Did you know that every single horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby descended from the legendary Secretariat?
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Eric Clapton wrote the smash hit “Wonderful Tonight” in 1976 while waiting for his then-girlfriend Pattie Boyd to get ready for a night out. As Boyd tried on dresses for a party hosted by Paul and Linda McCartney, Clapton sat with a guitar in hand and began playing soft chords. By the time she was ready, he had quietly written a ballad that would go on to be one of his most beloved songs.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: A good woman stays by her man’s side during bad times to tell him that none of it would have happened if he had just listened to her.
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WORD HISTORY OF THE WEEK: Did you know the word “newspaper” means North East West South Past and Present Event Report?
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: “Take My Ex’s Stuff Yard Sale!” It’s all gotta go. Just like him.
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: For those of you who are afraid to share my posts because you think a swat team will come knocking at your door, that is CRAZY! Swat teams don’t knock.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Scientists have found that cows produce more milk when the farmer talks to them. Apparently it’s a case of in one ear and out the udder.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do we press harder on the remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I have reached the age where my obituary will not contain the word “untimely.”
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “If there’s a golf course in heaven, I hope it’s like Augusta National. I just don’t want an early tee time.” – Gary Player
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Golf legend John Daly is 59 this week. Actress Michelle Pfeiffer just turned 67. Singer, actress, dancer, and longtime screen idol Ann-Margret turned 84 last week.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: You can certainly tell everyone is gearing up for a big season. On Monkey Island, there’s plenty of live music this weekend. Sundown Entertainment hosts Thursday night karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.) and Rockwell performs live Friday night at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Richard Turner will provide the music from 4:00-7:00 at the big “Back to the Boats Food & Wine Festival on The Anchor Lawn and The Old Bulldog Band will entertain from 7:00-10:00 p.m. There is Musical Bingo Wednesday nights, and DJ Kennedy leads Rockstar Karaoke Friday night at The Monkey Bar – and the Michael Wayne will be on stage Saturday night.
On South Grand Lake, Lil’ Red and Sidepiece will perform at Cherokee Yacht Club. Johnny Dale Roberts will kick off the weekend Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by Trenton Tanner Saturday night, and Blues Doctors Sunday afternoon at 3:00. Jake Brake will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Grill & Bar in Disney, and Sierra Bravo will take over Saturday night. Chase Wilson will perform Saturday night at The Drunken Rooster in Cleora; and Lil’ Red & Sidepiece will entertain Saturday night at Scissortail Marina.
In Grove, Jeff Tatum & the Palomino Band will provide the music Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by TJ Scarlett Saturday night. There’s musical Bingo every Wednesday night and DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon. The Swade Diablos will be the Friday night entertainment at Cherokee Casino Grove followed by Wade Hayes Saturday.
There are three nights of music this week at Indigo Sky Casino. Low Compatibility starts the music Thursday night followed by Brent Giddens Friday and The Brothers Moore Saturday. Morgan Squared entertains Saturday night in Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West. The Bison will entertain Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar. The Blue Underground start the weekend Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar. Asphalt Cowboys take over with live music both Friday and Saturday nights at Downstream.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: There’s lots of information on this front! Several restaurants, bars, and beverage distributors will be serving at the all-inclusive “Back to the Boats Food & Wine Festival” on The Anchor Lawn at Shangri-La Saturday night from 4:00-10:00 p.m. ($50 per person, $35 for Shangri-La members – all inclusive) benefiting DCCSAN and 2nd Chance Pet Rescue. Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina, Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina, and Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Harbors View Marina are now open for the season. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now operating on their summer schedule – opening at 3:00 Tuesday-Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. Friday-Sunday. The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La now offers lunch service from 11:00-3:00 Thursday-Monday. The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda is now on summer schedule, too, opening at 11:00 a.m. Thursday-Sunday. Rise-N-Dine Café in Ketchum now offers a $12 Breakfast Buffet on Saturday & Sunday (8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Mother’s Day Brunch will be served Sunday at The Summit at Shangri-La and Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove. Major remodeling is underway at the former Blind Swine on Monkey Island. The new “South Highway 125 Bar & Grill” is expected to open at the former Swine location in mid-May. One-Eyed Monkey at Copper Top Plaza at the entrance to Monkey Island has new ownership. Stop by & check ‘em out.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards will be streamed live Thursday night at 7:00 on Prime Video. The new series Poker Face begins streaming on Peacock Thursday night. The Voice moves into Live Round competition Monday night at 7:00 on NBC and Contraband: Seized at the Border airs at 8:00 Monday night on Discovery. Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute airs next Tuesday night at 9:00 on NBC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Clown in a Cornfield and Juliet & Romeo both open in movie theaters this weekend.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 15 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Goodfellas in Grove (5:00-6:30). Friday, May 16 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La Marina. Friday, May 16 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course (8:30 a.m.). Saturday, May 17 – Art in the Garden at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Thursday, May 22 – 3rd Annual Modoc Nation Golf Scramble at Shangri-La (9:00 a.m.). Thursday, May 22 – Grand Lake Business Networking at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Friday, May 23 – Grove Area Chamber “State of the Region” legislative & tourism breakfast forum with Representative Josh West and Tourism Director Sterling Zearley at the Grove Community Center (7:30 a.m.). Friday, May 23 – 1st Anniversary Celebration of the Legacy of Liberty WW II Memorial Park at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 24 – Memorial Weekend Fireworks at Honey Creek Marina. Friday, May 30 – Grove Rotary Shrimpfest at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Monday-Wednesday, June 2-4 – Junior Golf Camp at Shangri-La (8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. daily). Thursday-Saturday, June 5-7 – American Heritage Music Festival (Thursday night at Snider’s Campground/Friday & Saturday at Har-Ber Village). Friday, June 6 – Barkaritaville fundraiser for Second Chance Pet Rescue at Honey Creek Barbeque at Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove (6:30-10:00 p.m.). Saturday, June 7 – Fairy Festival at Lendonwood Gardens. Monday, June 9 – South Grand Chamber Golf Tournament at Shangri-La (11:00 a.m.). Friday-Sunday, June 13-15 – Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park. Saturday, June 14 – Home of Hope Annual Banquet at Hard Rock in Catoosa (5:30 p.m.).
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NBA Playoffs are into the conference semi-finals this week. The OKC Thunder face the Denver Nuggets in this round with games Monday & Wednesday at 8:30, Friday at 9:00, and Sunday at 2:30.
PGA Players have a couple of options this week. The Truist Championship (formerly Wells Fargo Championship) will be played in Philadelphia. Coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00. The rest of the PGA players will be in South Carolina for the Myrtle Beach Classic. Coverage is exclusively on the Golf Channel – 8:30 a.m. Thursday & Friday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.
NASCAR drivers are in Kansas City this weekend. Coverage of the AdventHealth 400 from Kansas Motor Speedway begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on FS1.
There are some great college softball games being televised this week. It’s Tournament Championship time in both the SEC and the Big XII. SEC games will all be televised on the SEC Channel until the semi-final round. Semifinals will be at 3:00 and 5:30 Friday on ESPN2 with the Championship Game Saturday at 4:00 on ESPN. The Big XII Championship game will also be televised on ESPN Saturday morning at 11:00.
UFL football features four games this week. DC faces San Antonio Friday (7:00). Michigan is at Arlington Saturday (12:00); and there are two Sunday games – Houston at Birmingham at 11:00 a.m. and St. Louis at Memphis at 2:00.
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Weather for the weekend ahead looks outstanding. We have a slight chance of a shower or two Friday night, then it clears off with highs getting warmer every day starting in the mid-70s with lows in the mid-50s. By Sunday, we’ll be pushing 80 degrees for Mother’s Day. It’s an incredibly busy week on Grand Lake, so get out and have some fun. Remember, though, wherever you decide to 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 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 Gro
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
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
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
