Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum September 9
The change in weather is coming! Technically, Fall doesn’t arrive until early Sunday morning, September 22 – but I was surprised to get up Sunday morning to temperatures in the 40s! It’s that time of year when you want to start the day wearing a sweater – but be sure to wear a t-shirt underneath because, by afternoon, the t-shirt is all you’ll want!
Despite the beautiful weather over the past weekend, boat traffic on the lake was decidedly down – and bars & restaurants who cater to boaters are beginning to close for the season. I’m not sure what it is about Labor Day weekend that makes people think they should quit coming to the lake for exciting weekends. It happens every year, but I will never understand why folks are willing to forfeit the very best boating season of the year – September & October! Every year, more people are figuring it out, though. Shangri-La Resort was sold out over the past weekend, and the coming weekend is almost sold out, too. Sail Grand’s Charter Yacht was busy all weekend – so the word is spreading. Grand Lake is THE place to be this time of year!
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We have a lot of company coming to see us this weekend. Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell is, of course, a Grand Laker himself – but he’s bringing lots of company to visit this weekend. Opinion leaders and influencers from throughout the state will be here this week for the Lt. Governor’s “Luau on the Green” at The Anchor Thursday night and his annual Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Friday morning. Put on your big smile. Company’s comin’.
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The rumor I wrote about last week is true! Golfers from internet sensations Good Good Golf and Busta Jack Golf are coming to Shangri-La for a grudge match October 25-26. But the story is better than that. It will also be an OU vs. OSU grudge match. Good Good Golfers will be OU greats Brad Dalke and Quade Cummins. Busta Jack golfers will be legendary OSU players Mason Nutt and Cole Lance. The biggest news, of course, is the publicity Grand Lake will get in front of the millions of social media followers of Good Good and Busta Jack.
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Speaking of golf, it pays to be at the top – and it pays a lot! PGA Golfer Scottie Scheffler was this year’s leading money winner on the tour. His season earnings totaled $62,228,257. That’s $46,092 per hole played on the tour – or $12,240 for every stroke! I hope he can squeak by on that. If not, keep in mind that doesn’t include his money from endorsements.
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It was fun to see the big surprise that greeted Dr. Tim Shriver when he came to Grand Lake for a speaking engagement last week. He was astonished to find a boat that had been the object of a huge search by his family for the past several years. Dr. Shriver is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy – and he was overwhelmed with emotion when he found his uncle’s family speedboat on display in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel. When he left Grand Lake, he was enroute to a big Kennedy family reunion – and he was well-armed for show & tell with a new collection of photos to rekindle some great childhood memories for his siblings and cousins. You can never tell who might find another meaningful memory at Grand Lake!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Tena Smith, Stevie Fernandez, Steve Pace, Mike Mahoney, Dave Deardorff, Jennifer Brookby, Derrick Brown, Jim Larimore, CeCe Mitchell, Jennifer Jeffers, Trent Richey, Diane Bruenger, Rich Lillard, Philip Lancaster, Marcie Wallace Hill, Hanna Heffley, Bob Waller, and Angie Drake.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: The retail boom continues in Grove. Last week, Bealls opened. This week, Marshalls opens on Thursday morning at 8:00. Thursday is the Northeast Oklahoma Board of Realtors Charity Golf Tournament at Peoria Ridge in Miami (10:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday evening is Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s “Luau on the Green” at The Anchor. Thursday evening is also the weekly Shrimp Boil & Karaoke evening on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.) and a Crab Legs & Karaoke at Island Bar & Grill at The Landings. Friday is Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s annual Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday morning is Farmers Market on the lawn at the Grove Community Center. Saturday is also a combined OSU-Tulsa/OU-Tulane watch party at The Anchor at Shangri-La. Sunday is a Customer & Community Appreciation Fish Fry at Juan Montez Restaurant at 1:30 (restaurant and bar will be closed).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The Three Stooges originally were audience plants, or “stooges”, in comedian Ted Healey’s vaudeville act.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin wouldn’t play a round of golf unless cocktails were served. So, the old Desert Inn in Las Vegas stocked a cart with drinks to support their round. The rest is history. Golfers can thank Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin for inventing the Beverage Cart.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Changing times on the Tour! PGA Golfer Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, earned more money this season ($6.2 million) than Jack Nicklaus earned as a player in his entire career ($5.8 million).
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Banks should do a better job of keeping their ATMs filled. This is the fifth one I’ve been to that says “insufficient funds.”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Everett Vacuum: Everything we sell sucks!
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: It only takes one beer to get me drunk. Trouble is, I can’t remember if it’s the 13th or 14th.
PUN OF THE WEEK: I just spent $300 on a limousine and discovered the fee doesn’t include a driver. I can’t believe I spent all that money and nothing to chauffeur it!
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How many times do you have to click “I accept cookies” before they actually send you cookies?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: You won’t find happiness at the bottom of a glass of bourbon. Nobody is happy when their glass of bourbon is empty.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I’m a Miller Lite guy, always have been, since I was 8.” – John Daly
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The long-running popular TV series “The West Wing” made its debut 25 years ago this week. Academy Award-winning actor and boxer Mickey Rourke turns 72 this week; and actor/film maker/playwright, “Madea” creator and billionaire Tyler Perry turns 55.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend at the Thursday Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on the patio of Doc’s Bar & Grill and Friday night, R. Jay Smith entertains live at Doc’s. Jon Moody entertains for the “End of Season Party” at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar Saturday night. Wednesday night is “Cocktails & Karaoke” night at Blind Swine and Thursday night is DJ Night at the Swine Monkey Island location. DJ Laidback Larry hosts the musical fun Friday night at the Swine followed by a fun “Full Moon Party” Saturday night. DJ Kyle Bandito provides the late-night music at Big Shots both Friday & Saturday nights.
On South Grand, Wilkie Jay starts the weekend early Thursday night (6:30) at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The Wanda Watson Band with Barrett Lewis Friday night, The Smith Brothers Saturday night, and an early Sunday show (5:30) by Jacob Dement. Zene Smith entertains Friday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek, followed by Randall George Saturday night. Glam R Us will perform live at The Drunken Rooster Saturday night. The Broken Aces Band will entertain Sunday afternoon (1:30) at the Customer & Community Appreciation Fish Fry at Juan Montez Restaurant.
In Grove, The Eddie Valen Quartet performs Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by 3D Saturday night. There are two nights of entertainment at Cherokee Casino’s 1897 Bar – The Brandon Butler Band Friday night followed by Magic J Entertainment Saturday.
There are three nights of live music at Indigo Sky Casino. Jon Dooly kicks off the fun Thursday night followed by Bobby DeGonia Friday night, and KC and The Vibe Saturday. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Morgan Squared performs live Saturday night followed at 11:00 p.m. Jump Suit Love performs Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar.
The “Born & Raised” music festival is in Pryor this weekend with more than two dozen great performers. Highlight performers include Hank Williams, Jr. Friday, Koe Wetzel Saturday, and Cody Johnson & Dwight Yoakam Sunday.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Sunday is the final day of the season at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar. Sharky’s is closed for the season. Ugly’s Grill & Bar has moved into fall hours of operation – 12:00-9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday. All Shangri-La venues now offer “Happy Hour” from 3:00-7:00 Monday-Friday. Blind Swine on Duck Creek has new hours – opening at 4:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. Blind Swine on Monkey Island is now offering an all-you-can-eat Crab Legs special Thursday nights and an all-you—can-eat Seafood Boil on Saturday evenings. The Monkey Bar on Monkey Island has new hours of operation - opening at 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. The Anchor Sports Bar and Galley also have new fall hours, opening at 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The Summit Restaurant has discontinued lunch service except on Monday. Keagan’s Coffee has new hours, too – Friday-Monday 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor has announced it will not close for the winter this year. They’ll be open all winter, Wednesday-Sunday. The Blind Swine crew will open a new restaurant in Grove this fall. Speedy’s Chophouse will be at the former location of Grand Lake Public House.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The 2024 Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump airs live Tuesday night at 8:00 on most major networks. AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special airs Thursday at 7:00 on ABC. Colin Jost and Micheal Che Present: New York After Dark airs Thursday night at 8:00 on Peacock. Ryan Reynolds will be the featured guest on Sunday Today at 7:00 Sunday morning on NBC. The 76th Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards air live Sunday night at 7:00 on ABC. Season 2 of Tulsa King will be available Sunday on Paramount+. Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is available on Peacock.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Speak No Evil, Transformers One, and The Killer’s Game join Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in movie theaters this week.
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, September 19 – “Eat Some Good, Do Some Good” fundraiser benefiting Integris Health Volunteers at Rancho Viejo in Grove (10% of your meal purchase goes to the charity). Thursday-Sunday, September 19-22 – Pioneer Days Celebration at Har-Ber Village (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-noon Sunday). Friday, September 20 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Patricia Island Country Club (1:30 shotgun). Saturday September 21 – World’s Largest Calf Fry & BBQ Festival at the Will Rogers Rodeo Grounds in Vinita. Saturday, September 21 – Keels & Wheels classic car and boat show at Cherokee Yacht Club sponsored by Heartland Classics Boat Club (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Saturday, September 21 – Customer Appreciation Party at Cedar Port Marina (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, September 21 – Community Gathering at Monkey Island RV Park on Monkey Island (7:00 p.m.). Friday-Saturday, September 27-28 - Grove Merchants Fall Open House. Saturday-Sunday, September 28-29 – NEO Pickleball Open at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Sunday, September 29 – Gold Star & Blue Star Mothers & Family Memorial Dedication at Veterans Honor Plaza in Langley with Lt. General Bud Wyatt (1:00 p.m.). Sunday, October 4-6 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday, October 4 – “Killer Keyz” nationally acclaimed dueling pianos appear at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 5 – Brothers-in-Law Toy Run with poker run stops at the Miami Elks Lodge, RJ’s in Vinita, Copper Penny in Ketchum, Road Hog Saloon at Monkey Island, and R-Bar Saloon in Grove. Saturday, October 5 - Member Appreciation Party at Shangri-La. Sunday, October 6 - Courage Under Fire Classic golf tournament benefiting the Monkey Island Fire Department. Saturday, October 12 – Arts & Crafts Festival and Indian Tacos at the Bernice Senior/Community Center (10:00-2:00). Friday-Saturday, October 25-26 – Shangri-La Celebrity Shootout Dinner & Match Play at Shangri-La feature OU golfers from Good Good Golf and OSU golfers from Busta Jack (dinner at 6:30 Friday, shootout at 12:30 Saturday at The Battlefield). Saturday, October 26 – Fall Festival & Hayrides at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Thursday, October 31 – Trunk or Treat Block Party in the Parts City parking lot in Langley (6:00-8:00 p.m.).
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It’s an especially big week for college football in Oklahoma. Tulsa hosts OSU Saturday at 11:00 a.m. followed by Tulane at OU at 2:30. There are two big games Friday night – UNLV at Kansas (6:00) and Arizona at K-State (7:00). Other big games Saturday include Alabama at Wisconsin (11:00), Texas A&M at Florida (2:30), and UCF at TCU (6:30).
The NFL season is officially underway, now moving into week #2. Buffalo is at Miami Thursday night. Sunday games include New Orleans at Dallas (12:00), San Francisco at Minnesota (12:00), Cincinnati at Kansas City (3:30), and Chicago at Houston (7:15). Monday Night Football features Philadelphia hosting Atlanta.
PGA golfers kick off a new season this week in Napa, California. Coverage of the Procore Championship begins at 5:00 Thursday-Sunday exclusively on The Golf Channel.
NASCAR drivers are in Watkins Glen, New York this week. Coverage of Go Bowling at The Glen is on the USA Network Sunday afternoon at 2:00.
Major League Baseball is getting down to serious schedules, too. The Yankees host the Red Sox Thursday at 6:15. The Dodgers are in Atlanta Sunday (6:00) and Milwaukee hosts Philadelphia next Tuesday (6:30).
There’s a big match-up in the WNBA this weekend. Indiana hosts Las Vegas at 6:30 Friday and Dallas Sunday afternoon at 2:00. Las Vegas hosts Connecticut Sunday at 5:00.
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The weather for the weekend ahead looks fantastic! We’ll have sunshine, light winds, high temperatures around 90 and lows in the mid-60s all weekend. It’s perfect weather for all the fun stuff, so get out there and have a good time! 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)
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
Gambine’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
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek
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)
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
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
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island
Royal Liquor Store in Grove
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina
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 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
