Beautiful and Fun Filled Weekend in Review

I warmed up sufficiently in preparation for the holiday over the past weekend.  I started Thursday night at Ugly’s for a get-together paying tribute to one of the great Grand Lakers of all time, George Silzer. If you have a big boat on Grand Lake, chances are good that George brought it here. Congrats on your retirement, my friend! Friday night, I had to catch the great Diversity at Island Joe’s – and Saturday, we celebrated the birthday of one of my very favorite gal pals, Gretchen Smith, with a boat ride to Juana Montez at Red Arrow with great friends.  Also great food and great karaoke fun. By Sunday, I was worn so slick I sat perfectly still while swilling bourbon and munching on prime rib at the home of my great friends, Mike & Kelly Aberle. I’m not sure how we can top that for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, but I’m sure we’ll give it our best shot!

 *****

Remember, the Official Lake Bum Holiday Rules are in effect this weekend.  No fighting, no puking, no hitting on someone else’s date, no griping at over-worked servers and bartenders, no bragging about how much money you have (or your parents have), no drunk driving, no public nudity, no yelling, no discussion of religion - and especially no politics!  The Presidential General Election Campaign doesn’t officially start until after Labor Day, so how about saving your snarky comments, and mean-spirited thoughts about your least favorite candidate until then? Can’t we all just get along?

*****

With the perfect weather forecast, the Sooners on the road, and the Cowboys playing a school we’ve never heard of, the lake will undoubtedly be packed this weekend.  Be patient. Business who must survive all year can’t possibly keep enough staff members to serve the expected holiday onslaught like they would like to.  Be nice to the people who are working so you can play.  Be patient, tip well, and have a wonderful holiday weekend on Grand Lake!

*****

As it turns out, members of Congress are like the rest of us in one regard – they are really chapped at Mylan drug company for increasing the price of lifesaving EpiPens by 400% (from $57 to two-for-$600), while CEO Heather Bresch gave herself a raise – up to $19 million per year. They want her called on the carpet!  They want her before a Congressional Committee!  They want her head!  Oh, wait.  What? She’s the daughter of West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin?  Well, ummm…. AWKWARD!

*****

People from Oklahoma City and Tulsa who are enjoying the Grand Lake life over the Labor Day weekend might want to check out the purchase of a home at Grand Lake while you’re at it.  The blog www.mylife.com recently ranked the danger of living in cities in America.  The study considered population, number of police officers, deadly crashes, violent crimes, property crimes, registered sex offenders and the number of people enrolled in health care coverage.  Tulsa took top honors as “The Most Dangerous City in the United States.” Oklahoma City was way down the list at number….2.  Yikes! I guess we’d better shut up about everybody else, huh?

*****

More Karma!  Remember Ken Adkins?  He’s the anti-LGBT crusading pastor in Georgia who said the victims killed in the mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub “got what they deserved.” He also opposed expansion of anti-discrimination laws to protect the LGBT community, saying such expansion would make it easier for sexual predators to assault victims. Yeah, well… he was arrested last week by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation – charged with child molestation and aggravated child molestation. SMH

*****

Sunday was “Go Topless Day” for ladies in support of gender equality.  I don’t know if Grand Lake ladies didn’t want to lower themselves to being equal or what – but I went all over the lake and saw nothing.  Not even at Dripping Springs. Go figure. Maybe things will look up over the Labor Day weekend.

*****

LEGAL TIP OF THE WEEK (from Josh Davis):  It’s probably not a good idea to wear your bracelet that says “I heart weed” to your court appearance on your felony drug charges.

*****

BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Vote NO on Libarry

*****

The last remnants of Kevin Durant are slowly drifting away in OKC. “KD’s” restaurant has now officially been renamed “Legacy Grill.” At least they won’t have to change it every two years that way.

*****

Honestly, I think perhaps Ryan Nazari of Edmond has taken the anti-Kevin-Durant sentiment a little far. He’s the guy who started the official petition last week proposing that the name of the southeastern Oklahoma community of Durant be officially changed to Westbrook, Oklahoma.

*****

Sunday mornings will never be the same.  Charles Osgood is retiring as host of CBS Sunday Morning. September 25 is his last day. I guess he’s due a little time off.  He’s almost 84. I was just as sad when Charles Kuralt left – but Charlie was a great replacement. Who’s next? Jane Pauley, maybe.  That would be good.

*****

MONKEY ISLAND TRAFFIC ALERT: With completion of the Monkey Island Pedestrian and Cart Path Trail from Port Duncan to Shangri-La Marina, golf cart traffic is now prohibited on that stretch of highway. Signs are up. They’ll be writing tickets!  Speed limit on that stretch is now back up to 35 mph.

*****

DINING & DRINKING BY WATER UPDATE: Morrows Bar & Grill is NOW OPEN (formerly Morrows Landing, Oliver’s Twist, The Decks…) They officially opened for business Friday, August 26. They’re open for lunch and dinner six days a week (closed Tuesday). Open 11:00-Midnight Wednesday & Thursday and until 1:00 a.m. Friday & Saturday,  but they close at 7:00 Sunday evenings.

*****

GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Tammie Koehler, Dennis Patrick, Chad Randall, Cathy Storey, Sally Cole, Emily Baggett, Gary Morgan, Pat Dunn, Bob Prine, Kenton Wheatley, Marilyn Mlnarik, Mike Magoulas, and Stephanie Hollingshead.

*****

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK:  Why do we say an alarm clock is going off when it’s really coming on?

*****

BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: There is terrific entertainment virtually everywhere you look on the Labor Day weekend, but there are a couple of very special events. Saturday is the Annual Redneck Yacht Club party & raft-up – tail waters of Duck Creek from 1-5 with music by Lickitty Split; and a huge Country Music Festival is hosted at Downstream Casino bothSaturday and Sunday. Jana Jae’s Fiddle Camp & Music Fest is in Grove this weekend, as well (Friday-Sunday) with events at both the Grove Civic Center and Snider’s Campground. The “Woodward Holler Rockin’ the Waves Concert” featuring music from Exit 34, among others, is Sunday from 2:00-8:00 in the back of Woodard Hollow.

*****

GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Island Joe’s Kentena at Shangri-La Marina will have four big shows over the holiday weekend. T-Bird kicks off the weekend fun Friday night. Diversity takes over the IJK stage Saturday night, and Low Compatibility performs Sunday night. DJ Larry Bolton will be back to wrap up the holiday Monday afternoon & evening. Big Shots Rhythm & Booze features popular DJ Sway Friday, Saturday & Sundaynight with great dance music. Across the street at The Shebang, Clint Walker performs Friday and Sunday nights this week, along with great karaoke fun Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights upstairs at The Shebang Balcony Bar.  Just down Highway 125, Friday night is Karaoke Night at Monkey Island Pub; and there’s great live music all weekend at Road Hog Saloon. In Woodard Hollow, Exit 34 will be the featured band in the Rockin’ the Waves Concert from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday.

In the Grove area, there are two nights of great music this weekend and every weekend at J.R. Spanky’s (Highway 10 Northeast of Grove).

On South Grand Lake, Mike Barham will be on stage at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina Friday night followed by Beau Tyler Saturday night and Reverse Reaction Sunday night. Michelle’s Grand Bar & Grill in Ketchum features live music fromWhiskey Poet Society  Friday night; and Friday night is karaoke night at Pickles at the Lake, just north of Langley.

Saturday afternoon is the annual Redneck Yacht Club Raft-Up in the tail waters of Duck Creek 1-5. Lickitty Split will entertain on the water during the raft-up.

Area casinos add great musical options this weekend highlighted by the 2^nd Annual Country Music Festival at Downstream Casino’s Venue Saturday and Sunday. Saturday performers include Josh Turner, Maddie and Tae, and Clare Dunn.Sunday’s spotlight will be on Barrett Barber, Backroad Anthem, Thompson Square, Cowboy Troy and Big & Rich. Showtime is 6:00 each night. In Downstream’s Legends Sports Bar, South Bound Saints will entertain Friday night.  Saturdaynight, The Leslie Serrano Band will perform at 10:00 followed by Rick Monroe at midnight. Howard Gayles will perform both Friday and Saturday nights in the Lovers Leap Lounge. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill, The Sex will be on stage both Friday and Saturday nights. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, Dirt Road Daisies will provide theFriday night musical entertainment, followed by The Bobby Dale Band Saturday night.  At Indigo Sky Casino, there is live entertainment in the Echo Bar, the weekend starts Thursday night with music by Leslie Serrano. Rocked ‘N Loaded entertainsFriday night followed by Dirty Saints Saturday. Eddie Valen entertains Friday night at Wyandotte Casino’s Club 60 West.  If you’re looking for comedy, it’s at The Stables Casino in Miami. Derek Richards will entertain in the Loony Saloon both Friday& Saturday nights along with special guest Ryan Bates.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including the opening weekend of college football, are the Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La, Island Joe’s at Shangri-La Marina, Monkey Island Pub, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Road Hog Saloon, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club and J.R. Spanky’s northeast of Grove.

*****

BUM MUST-SEE TV: The second season of Narcos is available beginning Friday on NetFlix. Sunday night, you can get a preview of all the new fall shows on ABC.  The ABC Fall Preview Show airs at 6:00 on ABC. The Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe will be presented Monday night at 9:00 on Comedy Central.

*****

BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Light Between Oceans and Morgan

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The majority of the U.S. Olympic Team’s medals were won by females. So, boys, the next time someone on the playground says you throw like a girl, say ‘Thank you.’” – Stephen Colbert

*****

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, September 9 – Sammy Hagar & The Circle concert at Downstream Casino. Saturday, September 10 – Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show at Arrowhead Yacht Club. Saturday, September 10 – Dam Jam bicycle tour cross the Pensacola Dam. Tuesday-Wednesday, September 13-14 – Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association Partnership Championship Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday, September 17 – REC Day at Grove Civic Center. Saturday, September 17 – Grand Nautical Market at Captain’s Corner north of Langley (9-4). Monday, September 19 – Grand Lake Open Golf Tournament benefiting the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce (at Shangri-La). Saturday, October 1 – A Taste of Grand in Grove benefiting Integris Grove Hospital Foundation.  Sunday, October 2 – Jim Beam Folds of Honor Golf Tournament at Shangri-La.

*****

College football season is officially here – and all my favorites are in action Saturday and they’re all on television. OU is at Houston (11:00 on ABC), Oklahoma State hosts Southeastern Louisiana (2:30 on FSN), Louisiana Tech is at Arkansas (3:00on SEC), and Tulsa hosts San Jose State (6:00 on CBSSN).

You don’t have to wait until Saturday for college football, though. Thursday night at 6:30 Appalachian State is at Tennessee (SEC) and Florida International hosts Indiana (ESPNU). At 7:00 Thursday, South Carolina is at Vanderbilt (ESPN). Colorado State is at Colorado Friday night at 7:00 (ESPN).

Other great Saturday games include Hawaii at Michigan (11:00 on ESPN), Missouri at West Virginia (11:00 on FS1), LSU at Wisconsin (2:30 on ABC), Miami (Ohio) at Iowa (2:30 on ESPNU), Georgia at North Carolina (:30 on ESPN), USC at Alabama (7:00 on ABC) and Clemson at Auburn (8:00 on ESPN). There is also a rare Sunday college game on the schedule at Texas hosts Notre Dame Sunday night at 6:30 on ABC. Monday night, Florida State will host Ole Miss at 7:00 on ESPN.

Professional golfers play a Friday-Monday schedule this week in the Deutsche Bank Championship.  Coverage begins at 1:30 Friday & Saturday, noon Sunday, and 10:30 Monday morning on the Golf Channel. NBC has the final two rounds, Sunday at 2:00 and Monday at 1:00.

In the NASCAR world, it’s time for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington.  Coverage begins Sunday afternoon at 5:00 on NBC.

*****

The weekend weather for the Labor Day Holiday weekend looks absolutely perfect! We’ll have sunshine and highs around 90 – lows around 70.  You can’t beat that! There’s something to do at Grand Lake everywhere you look this weekend – but a lot of other people will be looking around, too. Be safe, stay cool, and have a great weekend – and be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you.  It could be me. 

GRAND LAKE BUM

Want more information on advertisers you see in the Grand Lake Bum?  No problem.  Just click on their ad and you will be connected to their web site.  If you would like to join the growing list of sponsors of The Grand Lake Bum e-blast and the Bum’s page on both and www.360grandlake.com, the cost is only $50 a week and the list of readers is growing.  E-mail or contact 360grandlake.com to sign up.

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.

American Grill in Grove

Aquabar & Grill at The Landings Marina on Monkey Island (smoking on the deck)

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)

Big Shots on Monkey Island (smoking upstairs—open Friday & Saturday nights)

Bobbers Café in Langley

Book ‘ems at South Wind Marina in Bernice

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island (smoking on the patios)

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café Italia on Monkey Island

Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)

Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and on Monkey Island

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)

Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Frosty & Edna’s (west of the dam in Langley)

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)

Grand Lodge in Ketchum (smoking)

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)

Island Joe's Kentena at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

J.R. Spanky's on Highway 10 north of Grove (smoking)

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

Karrie's Kaboose in Vinita (smoking)

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lakeside Bar & Grill in Grove at Sail Boat Bridge

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)

Morrows Bar & Grill in Raper Hollow

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Okie Smokies Barbecue in Grove on Hwy 59 South

Book ‘ems Restaurant & Pub at South Wind Marina in Bernice

Pickles at the Lake in Langley

Pit Stop Café in Grove

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Riggs & Company in Langley

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island (smoking...but not at lunch)

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Scooters in Langley (smoking)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

Smokin’ Spur BBQ & Trading Post at Old Towne Plaza, Cleora

Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum

Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)

The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

The Landings Marina (smoking on the deck)

The Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)

The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)

The Office on Monkey Island (smoking)

The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)

The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)

Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (smoking)

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove

Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove

Wyandotte Nation Casino at Twin Bridges (smoking)