June 13 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

If summer wasn’t already officially underway on your calendar, the weekend gone by should have done the trick. Between the American Music Festival, the Toes in the Grand Festival (including the first fireworks show of the season), the Bobberland Cove concert, the Thunder on Wolf Creek boat races, the season-opener at the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater, and golf course swarming by both men and women with the SLWGA La Tee Da Tournament and the Monkey Island Masters golf extravaganza, it was an incredible weekend of fabulous outdoor festivities – and Mother Nature even cooperated!  

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I was certainly caught off guard Friday when I rolled into Grove to check out the Toes in the Grand Festival. I felt like I was swarmed by a herd of two-wheel invaders. I thought maybe I had just not gotten the memo that everyone was supposed to ride a bicycle to the festival. As it turns out, the 300+ bicyclists were passing through the Grand Lake area on a “Free Wheel” bike ride through Oklahoma. It certainly caused a little unexpected congestion on a festival and boat racing day – but I’m glad they chose a path through our neck of the woods!

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With so much happening at Grand Lake every weekend, don’t forget the upcoming weekend is Father’s Day. I don’t know why so many people think dads would like to spend their special day grilling for a bunch of relatives stopping by for free food – but that’s not the best gift. If you want to do something special for your dad, buy him a round of golf or a tank of fuel for the boat. Add a supply of his favorite beverage and shuffle him out the door by himself to do whatever he wants!

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From the looks of social media, I can tell you what golfing fathers are probably NOT getting for Father’s Day – Greg Norman sportswear. My Facebook feed is clogged with paid ads for stuff logoed by the CEO of the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour which seems to be trying to dismantle the PGA. I guess those Polo-style shirts must not be selling well in Saudi Arabia. Comments on his ads are pretty brutal. I don’t think he’s made any friends in the world of PGA Golf fans. I’m not closing the door to his merchandise, though. Maybe he’ll start offering folks outrageous sums of money to wear them – just like he’s doing to draw has-been golfers away from the PGA Tour. It seems everybody has a price. Maybe I should get in line.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Derrick Pelcher, Michael Junk, Eddie Estes, Judy Love, Kelly Rossman, Kevin Dennis, Amy Zoellner, Charlie Apperson, Josh Russell, Mike Ward, Cory Bowker, Lisa Arizpe, Sandy Busch, Kathy Mailot, Brittani Isaac, Sandy Fry, Gary Palu, and David Hudiburg.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday evening is a Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Bella Donna’s (5:00 p.m.). Friday evening is Shangri-La Resort’s first monthly Sunset Cruise of the season (7:00 p.m.). The live production of “Damascus Road” is featured every Friday & Saturday night through July 2 at the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater. Saturday, GRDA offers a Kyle Williams Boating Safety Course at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (8:00-5:00). The Route 66 Festival is in Vinita Saturday evening at 7:00; and next week is the annual Junior Players Academy at Shangri-La Golf Club (Monday-Wednesday).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Sobhuza II ruled Swaziland (now Eswatini) from 1899 to 1982, making him the longest-reigning monarch known to history.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The world’s first parking meter, known as Park-O-Meter No. 1, was installed on the corner of 1^st Street and Robinson Avenue in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: When I was young, I decided to go to medical school. At the entrance exam, we were asked to rearrange the letters PNEIS and form the name of an important human body part which is most useful when erect. Those who answered “SPINE” are doctors today, while the rest are on Facebook.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Absolutely NO clothing or footwear is allowed in Garden Center.  

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: If you get a loan at a bank, you’ll be paying it back for 30 years. If you rob a bank, you’ll be out in 10 years. Follow me for more financial advice.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Sweet dreams are made of cheese. Who am I to dis a brie?

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is “Bingo” the name of the dog or the farmer?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Yes, Matthew McConaughey has been filmed using guns in his movies. In other news, Tom Hanks didn’t actually command Apollo 13.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: “Wizard of Oz” legendary actress Judy Garland would have turned 100 years old last week. For many years, I’ve enjoyed great music by Seals & Crofts. We lost Jimmy Seals last week. He was 80 years old. The Beatles released the classic album “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” this month…55 years ago.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The price of gas is so high that it would be cheaper to buy cocaine and just run everywhere.” – U.S. Senator John Kennedy

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Clint Ingram performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Friday night entertainment by DJ Kennedy and a live performance Saturday night by Hypnotik. Thursday night is karaoke night with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early both Wednesday and Friday night at the Swine.  Kerry Kimmons leads the karaoke fun on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday and Saturday nights while DJ K-Bandito provides the dance music both nights across the street at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Kevin Upshaw is at the Road Hog Saloon Saturday night; and Saturday is karaoke & line dancing night with DJ Chris at Monkey Island Pub.

On South Grand Lake, Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens the weekend entertainment Friday night with True Karaoke. Whiskey Poet Society entertains Saturday night and Mike Barham performs Sunday afternoon. Dustin Moore leads the Thursday night karaoke fun at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Calen Fellenstein takes over entertainment Friday night followed by RocKFiscH Saturday. Randy Steele will be on stage Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Jake Flint Friday and The Clint & Frank Duo Saturday. Krislyn Arthurs wraps up the weekend Sunday with a solo show beginning at 4:00. Ugly’s Grill & Bar now features karaoke entertainment every Friday night.

In Grove, Twice as Nice Harpists provide the Friday night entertainment at The Regatta, with Cory Lee performing Saturday night. Following Thursday night karaoke, there is live entertainment by Blank Earth Friday night at Venue 655 at Grand Lake Casino followed by more karaoke Saturday night. The Juice will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by The Johnny Dale Roberts Band Saturday night.

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Tim Nowell Acoustic in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Uncrowned Kings, followed by Blacknote Band Saturday. Constant Chaos entertains Saturday night at River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West.

Stoney LaRue will be in concert at the Peoria Showplace at Buffalo Run Casino Wednesday evening, June 22.

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Grove Royal Liquor offers “Taste Testing” each Friday from 4:00-7:00. “Brunch & Bloody Marys” is a new offering at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill, Saturday & Sunday mornings 9:00-Noon. Mooney’s has also expanded kitchen hours. Food service is now available until 9:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday (closed Tuesdays). The Balcony Bar at The Shebang is now open with karaoke fun Friday & Saturday nights. Forage now has a location for take-and-bake and pantry items at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new series The Old Man debuts Thursday at 9:00 on FX. Animal Kingdom airs Sunday night at 8:00 on TNT; and season two of Flatbush Misdemeanors gets underway Sunday night at 10:00 on Showtime.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Lightyear and Brian and Charles join blockbusters Jurassic World Dominion, Top Gun: Maverick and Downton Abbey: A New Era in movie theaters this week. The latest remake of Father of the Bride debuts Thursday on HBO Max and Jerry and Marge Go Large premiers Friday on Paramount+. What a line-up!

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 23 – Summer Soiree at Grand Panache in Grove. Friday, June 24 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Friday, June 24 – Taste Testing at Royal Liquor in Grove (4:00-7:00). Friday, June 24 – Dinner Theater with Elizabeth Montgomery at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00). Friday-Saturday, June 24-25 – Grand Jam Music Fest at Grand Meridian RV Resort. Monday-Wednesday, June 27-29 – Youth Pickleball Camp at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Friday, July 1 – Vinita Fest at Vinita High School (7:30). Friday, July 1 – Movies in the Park at Langley City Park (Jungle Cruise). Friday-Monday, July 1-4 – Food Truck Roundup at Marina Del Rey Resort. Saturday, July 2 – Commerce Fireworks at Commerce High School. Sunday, July 3 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La, Horse Creek Fireworks across from the Unfinished Bridge, Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney, July 3^rd Extravaganza & Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Monday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks, Blue Bluff Harbor Fireworks, Huckleberry Fireworks in Jay, Miami Fireworks, and Parade of Flight (4:00 p.m.) at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Friday-Saturday, July 8-9 – Grand Lake Summer Expo at Civic Center in Grove. Wednesday-Sunday, July 13-17 – 2022 Visions Off Road at Mid-America Outdoors. Saturday, July 16 – Aquapalooza at Grand Lake RV Park in Duck Creek.

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It’s another big week in the sports world. With softball behind us, baseball takes the spotlight. The College World Series is set to begin Friday.

It’s an equally big week in the golf world. It’s time for the U.S. Open! Coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday, 3:00 Friday, 10:00 Saturday morning and 11:00 Sunday on NBC.

The NBA Championship Finals series continues with games 6 and 7 (as necessary) scheduled for Thursday (8:00) and Sunday (7:00).

We’re down to the final two teams in the hockey world, as well. Stanley Cup Finals competition is set to begin Saturday.

All eight USFL teams are in action this week with two games Saturday and two more Sunday.

There is no NASCAR race this week. Next up? The Ally 400 in Nashville next week.

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Beautiful summertime for the weekend ahead. Sunny skies, light winds, highs in the low 90s and lows around 70 degrees. There’s a lot going on, so get out there and have some Grand Lake fun! Remember, though, no matter where 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

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

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

Bella Donna’s at Honey Creek Landing Marina

Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open 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

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café at Har-Ber Village

Café Yum in Grove

Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum

Copper’s Tea and Coffee House in Grove

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

Cove Club in Langley

Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina

Domino’s in Grove

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill at Grand Meridian

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

Forage in downtown Grove

Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

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

Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove

Grand Lake Public House in Grove

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

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

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

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

Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Monkey Island Trail Rides

Monkey Island Winery

Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Pappy’s Bar on Hwy 10 east of Grove

Pickles at the Lake in Langley

Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove

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

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

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

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

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

The Regatta in Grove

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

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove