September 7 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

September 7, 2026

What an incredible weekend of Grand Lake fun on the last big summer holiday or the year! With Labor Day behind us, we now begin the very best boating and golf season of the year. Although the first day of Fall is not for a couple of weeks yet (September 22), football season is underway and we are already developing that cooler weather attitude. We’ll still be plenty hot for a while, but we can see moderate temperatures on the horizon. There are TONS of activities around Grand Lake for the next few months. If you are among those who wrap up your lake season on Labor Day weekend, you’re missing LOTS of fun – and the best weather of the year.

If you need help remembering names of all the Great Lakes, I always used the acronym “HOMES” – Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. With the new name change President Trump wants substituting “America” for “Ontario,” we had to come up with a new acronym to remember them. Here’s the new order: Superior, Huron, America, Michigan, Erie – SHAME.

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Tiger Woods’ driver’s license has been suspended for five years following his latest wreck in which officers determined he was impaired by pain medication. After his first year on the PGA Tour back in the stone age, I could never understand why he was driving, anyway. The same with big movie stars and filthy rich people. If I could afford a driver, I would never get behind the wheel again – especially if I had big money to lose in an accident. Tiger’s critical transportation has not been taken away, though. He can still drive a golf cart – just not on the highway. That gives him the same privileges that are being abused by 10-year-olds all over Monkey Island! By the way, I’m pretty sure there is no truth to the rumor that John Daly will be Tiger’s new driver.

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Sometimes it seems like legislators spend a lot of time finding solutions where no problems exist. For example, State Representative Mary Miller in Illinois has introduced legislation that would ban strippers from performing in schools. Has that been a problem?

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Incidentally, people who are always concerned about what other people do should pay close attention to the federal judge who just struck down Texas’ ban on drag shows. “The solution is relatively simple,” wrote the judge in response to those who find drag shows offensive. “Just don’t go.”

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If someone promotes a “big pizza party” is it a big pizza – or a big party? At The Anchor at Shangri-La, it will be both Monday night, September 14. The resort is kicking off its “Coats for Kids” drive that night (7:00) with a 25% discount on a pizza buffet for everyone who brings a coat, hat, or gloves (or a cash donation) to support the campaign to make sure no Grand Lake Area kid is cold this winter. But they will also debut “The Garry” – a gigantic 2 foot X 4 foot pizza offering at The Anchor. So, it’s both a big pizza and a big party at the “Big pizza party” Monday night. Bring a coat to donate for a kid. See ya’ there.

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Friday is 9/11. We will never forget! Reach out to someone you don’t know with a little extra love this weekend.

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Grand Lake Bum Shout-Outs

OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Eddy Gibbs, Terry Wepler, Jack McDonald, Tony Hampton, Michael Briggs, Jennifer Brookby, Reggie Cook, Gary Rathburn, Julie Rahhal, Dave Deardoorff, Mike Mahoney, Ron McAbee, Pete White, Garrett Lance, Duane Wilson, Jack Kern, Lee Cohen, Amy Wolfe, Derrick Brown, CeCe Mitchell, Jim Larimore Trent Smith, and Jennifer Jeffers.

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Best Grand Lake Events this Week

You would certainly not know the last major holiday of the summer is gone. There’s no shortage of action around the lake this post-holiday weekend. Friday is Food Truck Friday at Grove’s Downtown Square (5:00-9:00 p.m.) and a great Cruisin’ Main Car Event cruising from the Downtown Square in Grove (5:00 p.m.). Friday night is a fun “Around the World” Cabaret at Playmakers in Grove (7:30 p.m.). Grove Merchants Fall Open House is Friday & Saturday. Saturday is the fun Grand Lake Fest Cruise, Cook & Cash with indoor car show at Wolf Creek Expo. Saturday is also the Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour beginning on the Pensacola Dam (6:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) and the World’s Largest Calf Fry in Vinita (3:00-6:00 p.m.). There’s a big anniversary Saturday, too. Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney will celebrate its 40 th anniversary Saturday. Sunday is a “Short Rack 8-Ball” tournament at South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island (2:00 pm). Monday night, Shangri-La kicks off its 2026 Coats for Kids Drive with a big pizza party during the Chiefs-Broncos MNF game at The Anchor (7:00 pm). Next Wednesday is another Grand Lake’s second Meet & Greet with gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson at the Grove Community Center (4:00-5:30 p.m.).

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Randy Krehbiel’S Random Factoid of the Week

Wham-O sold 25 million Hula Hoops in their first four months of production (By the way, Wham-O is named for its first product – a slingshot.)

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Fun Fact of the Week

A tornado once killed 37 people in a town with no hospital. A doctor told a 54-year-old nun it would cost too much. She raised every dollar herself. That hospital is now the Mayo Clinic.

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Odd Fact of the Week

The 5 richest men on the planet now hold a combined $869 billion in wealth. If each of them spent a million dollars every day, it would take them 476 years to exhaust their wealth.

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Best Facebook Post of the Week

I told two look-alike twins their matching outfits were cut. “Did your mom buy you matching clothes?” I asked. They looked at me and said, “We’re not twins…could we see your license and registration, please?”

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Word Fun this Week

If you are attracted to both men and women, but neither is attracted to you, you are bi-yourself.

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Best Sign Seen this Week

I’m so in debt I could start a government.

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Best Bluesky Post of the Week

Imagine being such a horrible person that every time someone else dies, people collectively are disappointed that it wasn’t you.

Pun of the Week

Cannibals don’t leave the dinner table until after everyone’s eaten.

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Unanswered Question of the Week

Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage?

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Observation of the Week

Don’t worry about me. My mind is still as sharp as a whatchamacallit.

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Quote of the Week

“The truth will set you free, but first, it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinem

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Feel-Old Moments of the Week

OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Women’s rights activist and founder of Ms. Magazine Gloria Steinem died last week after more than 50 years of leadership. She was 92. Singer, songwriter, producer Barry Gibb, co-founder of The Bee Gees, turned 80 years old last week. NFL Hall-of-Famer quarterback and commentator Terry Bradshaw turned 78; and actress, comedian, writer, producer, and singer Lily Tomlin is 87.

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Best Weekend Live Entertainment

On Monkey Island, the weekend starts Thursday night at The Monkey Bar with an evening of requests by COBE . There’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night, more live music with Bobby DeGonia Saturday night – and another Monkey Bar Jam with Becky Sparkman Sunday. Erin Fitzgibbon will entertain Thursday night at Whitecap. Gavin Tucker will be on stage at Doc’s Friday night. Magen Faulconer will perform at South 125 Bar & Grill Monday night.

On South Grand Lake, James Muns kicks off weekend fun Wednesday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Vince Turner takes over Thursday night at Mooney’s, followed by The Beaty Creek Band Friday, The Brent Giddens Band Saturday, and a special Sunday afternoon performance by Jackson Glasby (4:00 p.m.).

In Grove, RocKFiscH will be on stage Friday night at Grand Lake Casino followed by Western Justice Saturday night. Mixtape 918 will perform Friday night at Cherokee Casino. The Chain Project takes over Saturday night. Faultline performs Friday night at Alpha Bar and Laid-Back Larry hosts karaoke Saturday night.

In Vinita, there will be a Battle of the Bands Saturday afternoon at the World’s Largest Calf Fry at the Craig County Fairgrounds (3:00-6:00 p.m.)

Jon Dooly starts the weekend music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by The BakBeatz Friday and Encore Saturday . Bobby Degonia will be on stage at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by The Downbeat Saturday night. JAM will entertain Friday night with a Michael Jackson/Bruno Mars tribute at Buffalo Run Casino’s Miami Beach indoor/outdoor venue. Stonehorse is the featured entertainment Saturday night at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West.

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Dining & Drinking Update

The One Eyed Monkey now has an after hours food trailer in addition to their Littlefield Corner location. Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove has announced they are closed permanently. Eddy’s, Sharky’s, Blue Bluff Café, and BOOM are now closed for the season. The “Back Bar” has now reopened at South 125 Bar & Grill – and they are also offering a late-night menu 9-midnight) Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney is now closed on Tuesdays. The former “Stuff’ns Café” in Ketchum is now open 7am-9pm Monday-Saturday– Bella’s on Grand.

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Bum Must-See Tv

SEE TV: 9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan airs Friday night at 7:00 on ABC and the special 9/11: We Remember airs at the same time Friday on CBS. A new season of 60 Minutes premieres Sunday night at 6:30 on CBS. The 78 th Prime Time Emmy Awards air live at 7:00 Monday night on NBC; and a new season of Dancing With the Stars debuts next Tuesday at 7:00 on ABC.

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Bum Must-See Movies

SEE MOVIES: The Long Walk, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Toy Story – 30 th Anniversary, and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues all open in theaters this week. Call My Agent! is available Thursday on Netflix.

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Save the Date

Thursday, September 17 – Northeast Board of Realtors Charity Golf Tournament at The Coves (9:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday, September 17 – Grove Chamber “Business After Hours” at Grand River Abstract in Grove (5:00-6:30 p.m.). Thursday-Saturday, September 17-19 – Born & Raised Music Festival at Rockin’ Red Dirt Ranch in Pryor. Saturday, September 19 – Touch-A-Truck fun truck examination for kids benefiting Toys for Tots at First Christian Church in Grove (9:am-3pm). Saturday, September 19 – Barkaritaville dinner & auction at Patricia Island Country Club benefiting Second Chance Pet Rescue. Sunday, Saturday & Sunday, September 19-20 – Opening Weekend for tours of McCorkle Family Farms (10-6 September 20 – Grand Lake World Peace Gathering at the Lendonwood Garden’s Pavilion in Grove (4:00-5:30 p.m.). Monday, September 21 –South Grand Lake Foundations’s Darrel Hicks Memorial “Fore the Kids” Golf Tournament at The Coves, benefiting the Ketchum Warriors Backpack Program (8:00 a.m.). Tuesday, September 22 – “State of the Region” luncheon honoring Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell at Wolf Creek Expo (12:00 p.m.). Thursday, September 24 – Grove Area Chamber Fall Golf Tournament at Patricia Island Country Club (1:30 shotgun). Saturday, September 26 – A Taste of Grand on the Integris Grove Hospital grounds (6:00 p.m.). Thursday-Sunday, October 1-4 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park. Friday, October 2 – South Grand Lake Chamber Golf Tournament at The Coves Golf Club (12:00 pm shotgun). Saturday, October 3 – Long Distance Classic Sailboat Race from Grand Lake Sailing Club. Saturday, October 3 – 33 rd Annual Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show at Cherokee Yacht Club (10:00-3:00).

In the sports world, college football is king. OU and OSU both play Saturday morning at 11:00 – and both are on national television! OU is at Michigan while OSU hosts Oregon. Other games of interest include Missouri at Kansas Friday night (7:00) and a great Saturday lineup – Washington State at K-State (11:00), Alabama at Kentucky (2:30), Arizona at BYU (2:30), Tennessee at Georgia Tech (6:00), Ohio State at Texas (6:30), Iowa State at Iowa (6:30), and Arkansas at Utah (9:15).

The NFL Regular Season kicks off Wednesday night at 7:00 with New England at Seattle. The Rams host the 49ers Thursday night. Sunday games include Tampa Bay at Cincinnati (12:00), Baltimore at Indianapolis (12:00), Washington at Philadelphia (3:30), Green Bay at Minnesota (3:30), and Dallas at the N.Y. Giants (7:15). Monday Night Football features the Chiefs hosting the Broncos.

WNBA players are still off this week, taking a break to make way for continuation of the FIBA World Cup competition in Berlin. Semifinal games are Saturday with the Championship Sunday afternoon.

It’s a big week for professional tennis. The U.S. Open is underway with matches every day on ESPN and ESPN2. Women’s semifinals are Thursday. Men’s semifinals are Friday. The Women’s Championship is Saturday (3:00) and the Men’s Championship Match is Sunday (1:00).

Major League Baseball fans have some good ones on the schedule, too. The Yankees host the Mets in a Subway Series battle Friday (6:00) and Saturday (12:30). Philadelphia is at Atlanta Sunday (12:30) and the Cubs host the Braves both Monday (6:30) and Tuesday (6:30).

NASCAR drivers are in Illinois this week for Sunday afternoon action. Coverage of the Enjoy Illinois 300 starts at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on USA.

PGA golfers have the week off.

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It looks like we’ll avoid triple digit temperatures this weekend, but we’ll be close! We’ll have sunshine with high temperatures in the upper 90s and cooler evenings with lows in the lower 70s. There’s plenty of fun all around the lake both outdoors and indoors – so 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 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

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