October 5 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

October 5, 2026

If you missed the past weekend on Grand Lake, you missed some great opportunities to have a lot of fun, no matter what your hobby might be. Drizzly nights and cool days provided a perfect weekend, and thousands of people enjoyed all Grand Lake has to offer. Families flocked to the annual Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park (along with thousands of actual pelicans!), golfers filled the courses at Shangri-La and Patricia Island, joining golfers who participated in the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce tournament at The Coves; and boaters had a heyday! Weather was perfect for boaters enjoying the beginning of fall foliage at the lake, fans of the classics hung out at Cherokee Yacht Club for the Heartland Classics’ annual Classic Boat Show, and sailboaters hit the water for the Grand Lake Sailing Club’s annual Long Distance Race from Honey Creek to the Pensacola Dam & back (if “sailboat race” isn’t too much of an oxymoron. A variety of talented entertainers made everyone’s evenings fun at Grand Lake’s favorite night spots. This is truly the best time of the year at beautiful Grand Lake!

New fall television series are hitting the airwaves this week, just in time to draw us all back to network television so we don’t miss any of the political commercials. Election day is now less than a month away. I don’t know if we’ll be happy with the election results, but at least the onslaught of commercials will come to an end. I’m sure we’ll all be happy about that!

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The practice of attempting to “buy elections,” which was authorized by the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision, is alive & well. The max allowable donation a person can donate to a federal candidate is $3,500. If you donated that max to every candidate on the 2026 ballot, you could only spend $1,662,500. Thanks to the Supreme Court, that law only applies to you, of course. Elon Musk has spent $71 million on the midterm elections. Wall Street mega-donor Jeff Yass has spent $55 million. In fact, the top 50 mega-donors have already poured more than $1.3 BILLION into the 2026 midterms. Who says you can’t buy your very own public officials?

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Speaking of elections, please either find out about the candidates – or just blow on past a race on the ballot where you don’t know anything about the candidates. We don’t need public officials who were elected by someone throwing a dart or taking a guess at a name they might have heard before. And be careful about picking your favorites based on signs you see in yards. In the primary election, a buddy of mine tried to vote for a real estate agent.

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I wonder how things are going in Chicago. The White Sox made the division playoffs and the Cubs lost in the Wild Card round. Ya’ think Pope Leo had any input?

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While we’re all watching football, baseball, soccer, golf, and auto racing, we have arrived at that time of the year when all the sports intersect. Hockey is back – and Fall softball is on the calendar along with the kickoff of NBA preseason this week. Thunder Up, kids!

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Grand Lake Bum Shout-Outs

OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Vicki Graper, Rick Harper, Renee Russell, Luke Curley, Sherry Dillinger, Saunie Boeve, Mark Funke, Joe Siano, John Erling, Art Couch, Joe Ferguson, Richard Leuszler, Doug Booth, Dee Boorigie, Jana Coffee, John Walter, Pat Dodson, Gene Pearcy, Brian Brandwein, Sarah Williams Nash, Michelle Robertson, Jan Briggs, Silvy Brookby, Darci Winter, and Ben Hampton.

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Best Grand Lake Events this Week

It’s Rocktoberfest time. The popular off-road event at the offroad area below the Pensacola Dam in Disney runs Friday-Sunday. Friday night is another fabulous “Cabaret Around the World” evening at Playmakers in Grove, including a silent auction. The party begins at 7:30. Saturday is the Fall Craft Fair with Indian Tacos, treats for kids, and face painting at the Bernice Community Building, sponsored by the United Cherokee Alliance ((10am-3pm); OU-Texas Watch Parties at The Anchor at Shangri-La (2:00-6:00) and Alpha Bar in Grove (2:30-6:00).

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Randy Krehbiel’S Random Factoid of the Week

The latest The Economist/YouGov Poll: 84% of registered voters think most (27%) or many (57%) elected officials are corrupt.

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Fun Fact of the Week

President Trump signed a “Super Intelligence” AI pact with the biggest tech CEOs in the world, and it misspelled the name of his own country. It says “President of the Unites States.” Unites! Right under his signature. A document about AI’s “Super Intelligence,” and nobody even caught the typo.

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Odd Fact of the Week

Florida started recycling oyster shells from restaurants that were just throwing them away. They began tossing them into the Gulf of Mexico and they created thriving reefs. Turtles and dolphins started returning at numbers not seen in over 25 years.

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Best Facebook Post of the Week

If your party has been in charge of a state for twenty years, we don’t need to hear how you are going to “fix all the problems.” Either you should have fixed them over the past two decades…or you ARE the problem.

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Word Fun this Week

Once I see you can’t spell, I loose entrance.

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Best Sign Seen this Week

Remember what the valet who parked your car looks like because we do not have valet parking.

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Best Bluesky Post of the Week

I wish pets lived longer and life wasn’t so expensive and cake didn’t make you fat and people weren’t idiots.

Pun of the Week

I always carry a pebble with me to throw at people who sing Christmas songs in October. I call it my jingle bell rock.

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Unanswered Question of the Week

How do those dead bugs get into the enclosed light fixtures?

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Observation of the Week

When I was young, I wanted to play the guitar really badly. After years of practice, hard work, and determination, I can finally play the guitar really badly.

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Quote of the Week

“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote – a very different thing!” – Walter H. Judd

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Feel-Old Moments of the Week

OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Happy birthday to the ultimate legend – actress, singer, author & director Dame Julie Andrews turned 91 last week. Decorated actress Susan Sarandon turned 80. Award-winning actor Matt Damon turns 56 this week; and Broadway, movie & TV star Tony Shalhoub (yep, “Monk”) turns 73. In the music world, pop music icon Bruno Marrs turns 41 this week. It has been 56 years since we lost rock icon Janis Joplin. In the TV world, it has been 66 years since the first episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” made its debut.

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Best Weekend Live Entertainment

On Monkey Island, there’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Wednesday night at The Monkey Bar followed by COBE by Request Thursday night, more karaoke Friday night, and an Open Jam Sunday. Ryan Graham takes the stage at Doc’s Friday night at 7:00. Erin Fitzgibbon & COBE entertain Friday night at South 125 Bar & Grill.

On South Grand Lake, Dustin Chadwell kicks off the week’s entertainment Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Michele Warren and Soupbone Friday. Wanda Watson takes the stage Saturday night followed by a special Sunday matinee performance by Erin Fitzgibbon & COBE (4:00 p.m.). Ethan McCord will be on stage Friday night at Scissortail Marina followed by Erin Fitzgibbon & COBE Saturday night. Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece will perform Saturday evening at Juan Montez.

In Grove, Ty Bottorff hosts karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino. Hollywood Riot takes the stage Friday night followed by Borrowed Money Saturday. Enjoy An Evening of the Rat Pack Friday night at Cherokee Casino followed by Magic J Saturday night; and Whiskey Bent will be on stage Friday night at The Alpha Bar, followed by Laid-Back Larry with karaoke fun Saturday night.

Jon Dooly starts the weekend music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Uncrowned Kings Friday and The Brothers Moore Saturday . Mixtape 918 will be on stage at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by The Bakbeatz Saturday night. Casey Donahew and Jackson Taylor entertain Friday night at the Miami Beach Outdoor Venue at Buffalo Run Casino followed by Molly Hatchet with Encore Saturday night. Jeff Tatum & the Palomino Moon Band are the featured entertainment Saturday night at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West.

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Dining & Drinking Update

Our House BBQ at Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove has closed permanently. The Fire Pit Restaurant at Wildwood Cove Resort is now located in Grove (the former Speedy’s Chophouse location) – but they are not yet licensed to serve alcohol. The Chicken Coop in Langley has sold to Pickles Bar. The Coop will close in November, but it’ll probably take a while for Pickles to finish renovation & a move. Beau’s Delicatessen in Langley has new fall hours – open Monday & Tuesday at 10:00, Friday at 9:00, Saturday & Sunday at 8:00 – closed Wednesday & Thursday. Scissortail Marina Bar & Grill is now operating on Fall/Winter schedule – Open Friday-Sunday. Whitecap at The Landings has reduced hours – open at 4:00 Thursday & Friday, 9:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now only open three days a week - Friday 4-10, Saturday 11-10, Sunday 11-8. Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is now open Friday & Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 11-7. Ugly’s Grill & Bar is now closed for the season.

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Bum Must-See Tv

SEE TV: Thursday night is a big night on CBS. A new season of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage starts the evening at 7:00 followed by a new comedy series, Eternally Yours at 7:30, the season premier of Elsbeth at 8:00 and a new drama series Cupertin o at 9:00. A new season of Law & Order: SVU debuts at 8:00 on NBC Thursday, followed by the season premiere of Law & Order at 9:00. New seasons of Sheriff Country , Fire Country and Boston Blue premier Friday night at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 respectively, all on CBS.

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Bum Must-See Movies

SEE MOVIES: Other Mommy, The Social Reckoning, Treasure Trekkers, and Fjord all open in theaters this week.

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Save the Date

Thursday-Friday, October 15-16 – Fall Break: Indigenous Programming at Har-Ber Village. Friday, October 16 – Cleora School Fundraising Golf Tournament at The Coves Golf Club (10:00 a.m.). Friday-Saturday, October 16-17 – Patricia Island Country Club/Indigo Sky Casino Shootout at Patricia Island (10:00 a.m.). Saturday, October 17 – Old Time Gathering Music Festival and Contra Dance at Har-Ber Village Museum. Saturday, October 17 – Heart of Monkey Island Chili Cookoff & Auction raising money for Christmas gifts for kiddos at South 125 Bar & Grill (noon). Saturday, October 17 – Home of Hope Admiral’s Banquet at Cherokee Yacht Club (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 24 – Oktoberfest at Grand Towne Center north of Langley (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Saturday & Sunday, October 24-25 – “Twilight BOOtanical Trail” walk (kids 12 and under) at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (3:30-6:30 p.m.). Thursday, October 29 – Trunk or Treat at Rose Rock on Monkey Island (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, October 30 – Trunk or Treat Halloween Party at Tera Miranda Resort (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, October 30 – Halloween Costume Party with crafts & Games at The Anchor (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Friday-Saturday, October 30-31 – Evening walk through Haunted Village at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:30 p.m.). Saturday, October 31 – Pickleball Tournament for men, women, and mixed doubles at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.). Saturday, October 31 – Trunk or Treat at Woodshed in Langley (3:00-6:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 31 – Trunk or Treat at Grand Towne Center in Langley (5:00-7:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 31 – Trick or Treat at Shangri-La Resort (6:00-8:00) followed by a Costume Party at The Anchor (9:00 p.m.). Friday, November 6 – First Friday Wine Share at Banks & Company in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Saturday, November 7 – Zena Fall Fest – car show, chili cookoff, crafters & vendors – at the Zena Community Center (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).

In the sports world, OU, OSU, and Tulsa are all on the field this weekend. OU hosts UCF at 11:00 Saturday, Tulsa is on the road facing Navy at 2:30 – the same time OU will be taking on Texas. There are other good games this week, too. Kansas State hosts Houston, Kansas is on the road in Utah, Missouri hosts Texas A&M, and Alabama hosts Georgia!

The NFL has some good ones this week, too. The Cowboys host the Buccaneers Thursday night. Sunday games include Chicago at Green Bay, Las Vegas at New England, San Francisco at Seattle, and Baltimore at Atlanta. Monday Night Football features the Rams hosting the Bills.

It’s playoff time for both Major League Baseball and WNBA basketball. In the baseball world, Division Series playoff games continue through Saturday, as necessary, with the Division Championship series scheduled to get underway Sunday.

In the WNBA, playoffs are well underway with semifinal series continuing through next Wednesday, as necessary. The WNBA Championship series wil begin Saturday, October 17.

PGA Golfers are in Japan this week for the Baycurrent Classic. Geography makes for an unusual TV schedule. Coverage is on the Golf Channel at 10:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

NASCAR drivers are in Charlotte this week for Sunday afternoon action. Coverage of the Bank of America 400 starts at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on USA.

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We had a little preview of Fall over the past weekend, but the upcoming weekend will remind us that summer isn’t totally over. We’ll have sunshine with high temperatures in the upper 80s and lows in the mid-60s. Looks like a perfect weekend to get out there and have fun!! Remember, though, 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.

Alpha Bar in Grove

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 Grove

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

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

Eagle’s Nest at Patricia Island Country Club

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina

Fire Pit in Grove

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

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Legacy Eatery in Grove

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 Grove

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Red’s BBQ in Ketchum

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

Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

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