June 28 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

If you were scared off by errant meteorologists, you missed a great boating weekend gone by. The 90% chance of rain Saturday afternoon and the 100% chance on Sunday both turned out to be ZERO. But, to those of you who still believe the weather forecast, thank you for all the open water over the weekend!

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So, now we are on the cusp of the biggest holiday weekend of the year on Grand Lake. You know what that means. The official Grand Lake Bum Holiday Behavior Rules are in place. 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 (private nudity is okay), no yelling, no discussion of religion - and especially no politics!  As with all holiday weekends, you may have a little longer wait for a seat, a drink, or some food. Be nice to everyone who is working so you can play. The population of Grand Lake over the next few days will be equal to the population of the state’s third largest city. Everyone is understaffed for this weekend. If everybody who’s coming to the lake over the holiday weekend would come every weekend, all the businesses could staff up for those giant crowds. If I get my drink before you do, it’s because I’m there every day all year long. They already know what I want – and they know I’ll be sitting on the same stool in the winter. So, maybe you should buy a house and a boat while you’re here and come join us for the party all year! If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past year, it’s that a lot of us can work from home just fine. It might as well be a Grand Lake home! You’d be surprised how many people have decided to do exactly that.

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Fireworks for the holiday? Yes. Yes. Yes. Every fifteen minutes it seems like someone posts the question on social media outlets – “Where are fireworks this year – and when?” If they would read any of the posts besides their own, they would know, of course. There are ten fireworks shows around the lake this weekend. Six of them may also be seen from the water. There is a complete listing in the “Best Events of the Week” section a few paragraphs down. Please read this list instead of continuing to clog up the social media feeds with the same question time after time after time.

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GRDA reports some Blue Green Algae in the Horse Creek area, but reiterate that “the overwhelming majority of Grand Lake” shows no signs of BGA. If you’re not an experienced Grand Lake boater, it’s probably smart to avoid the shallow Horse Creek area, anyway. It’s no big deal to me. I’ve been in that stuff since I was a kid…but I’m passing along the info. It doesn’t impact boating in any way, of course. Just swimming. So…swim somewhere else in the lake. There are 45,000 surface acres from which to choose.

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The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has figured out a way to encourage people to get a Pike Pass if they don’t already have one. They’re doing away with toll booths and taking the turnpikes to a system that will just shoot a picture of your license plate and send a bill for traveling the turnpikes. The new rates for the “cashless system” will be 75% higher than the current cash tolls (which are already higher than Pike Pass rates). The first turnpikes impacted will be the Kilpatrick Turnpike in OKC, the H.E. Bailey, and the Creek. The Tuner and Will Rogers will be the last to go cashless. New rates begin on the Kilpatrick July 25. The bills for traveling the turnpike will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle so, my advice is to borrow a buddy’s car when you can.

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Last week state officials were bragging about a big new industry coming to Oklahoma. This week, taxpayers want to know what they paid for it. State officials refuse to say how much incentive taxpayer money was handed to electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo to build its new plant at Pryor’s Mid-America Industrial Park ultimately providing 2,000 jobs; but the officials at Canoo say it was $300 million. Holy moley!!! Wouldn’t it have been faster and more efficient to just line up 2,000 people and give them $150,000 each?

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I saw where OSU Head Football Coach Mike Gundy once again gave up $1 million of his salary this year. As soon as my salary is $5.3 million+ per year, I plan to do the same.

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Cheers! The Redmeat Sports YouTube Channel has named Monkey Island’s Big Shots Rhythm & Booze as one of the “Ten Best Bars in Oklahoma.”

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Grand Lake clubs and bars that are normally open Friday-Sunday are also open this holiday Monday. The newly revitalized Cove Club is now open in Langley for breakfast, lunch & dinner Monday-Saturday and breakfast & lunch Sundays. Mr. Shing Chinese Restaurant has now re-opened in Langley. The Galley is now open at The Anchor Activity Park at Shangri-La. Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney is temporarily closed on Tuesdays due to staff shortage. QuickQue BBQ Shack is now open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00-8:00 at Monkey Island RV Park. Blind Swine on Duck Creek (at Harbors View Marina) ha breakfast service Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La hosts a weekly Shrimp Boil on the patio each Thursday night as well as an all-you-can-eat Ribs Special Friday nights. Doc’s Bar & Grill and Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda both offer a Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Buffet.

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Friday is the Grand Opening of The Anchor Activity Park and formal dedication of The USS Oklahoma Memorial at Shangri-La at 1:00. Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Representative Josh West, and former Broadway performer Ron Young highlight the festivities along with a tribute flyover by Colonel Boston Butters in his vintage WWII War Bird.

This is, of course, the week for Independence Day Fireworks, so here’s the schedule: Vinita Fireworks are Thursday night. Wyandotte and Commerce Fireworks are Friday. Grand Lake (Disney), Monkey Island, Blue Bluff Harbor, Horse Creek, and Grove (Wolf Creek) shows are all Saturday night. Duck Creek and Miami Fireworks are Sunday night.

Friday night is also the First Friday Wine Share at Note-Able Outdoor Living in Grove (6:00-7:30); and there are two parades Sunday – the Pine Lodge Golf Cart Parade begins at 9:00 Sunday morning and the Independence Day Parade in Bernice kicks off at 11:00.  

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s certainly no shortage of live entertainment this holiday weekend. On Monkey Island, the Thursday Night Shrimp Boil and Karaoke with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday night, Franklin Birt provides the live entertainment at Doc’s. Hypnotik kicks off the weekend entertainment Friday night at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar, followed by 5^th Element Saturday night and Torn Sunday night. Travis Kidd will be at The Anchor at Shangri-La Saturday night. Terry Jordan entertains Friday & Saturday nights at The Summit. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang provides great karaoke fun with Kerry Kimmons every night through Sunday; and just across the street, there’s great dance music Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze – the hottest dance club in the Four States. KJ Flip will lead the karaoke fun Thursday night at Blind Swine – and he’s back for more Karaoke & Cocktails Sunday night – and there’s always live entertainment Friday & Saturday nights at the Swine. Erin Fitzgibbon will perform Friday night at 6:00 at the Swine/Monkey Island. Benjamin Stanley Owens will perform live at Monkey Island Pub Friday night – and Saturday night is great dancing and singing at the Pub -  Karaoke with Tim.

On South Grand, Zene Smith performs Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney, followed by The Barrett Lewis Band Saturday night. Erin Fitzgibbon entertains every Thursday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek (at Harbors View Marina) and KJ Flip leads the musical fun every Wednesday night. Mike Barham & the Honky Tonk Prophets will provide the musical entertainment Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina.

In Grove, there several entertainment options at The Regatta. Friday night, Phillip Lancaster will be upstairs with karaoke fun while Alisha Fryer performs downstairs. Saturday night, Porter Crossing will entertain upstairs and Robbi Bell will perform downstairs; and Eddie Valen will perform at Blue Bluff Harbor Saturday night (6:00-9:00).

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Brett & Terri in the Echo Bar Thursday night, followed by Rocked & Loaded Friday and Encore Saturday. Friday night, country superstar Brad Paisley is in concert at The Outdoor Venue at Downstream Casino.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Before he became an actor, Alan Arkin had a Top 10 hit with the Tarriers' 1956 cover of "The Banana Boat Song."

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Yes, a “buttload” is an actual measurement. It’s approximately 130 gallons.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Adulthood is saying, “But after this week, things will slow down a bit” over and over until you die.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK (seen in front of a church): Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. No soliciting.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: It’s growing exceedingly difficult to not tell stupid people they are stupid.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Shout-out to whoever invented the word “plethora.” It means a lot.

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Me yelling at a squirrel to move out of the road so it isn’t crushed by tires is probably the same feeling God has watching me live my life.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Diana, Princess of Wales, would have turned 60 years old Thursday. One of the very best songwriters and most mediocre singers celebrated another circle around the sun last week. Kris Kristofferson is 85.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Mary Brewer, Tonya Moorhead, Dandy Risman, John Jameson, Janet Sheeler, Alana Williams, Bob Beine, Dick Seybolt, Alyson Aberle, Velma Mullen, Jimbo Coleman, Virginia Gibson, Patsy Williams, David Hitzeman, Stephanie Young, Rod Wadel, my sis Judy Phillips and, of course…AMERICA!

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Have you ever noticed that all the instruments searching for intelligent life in the universe are all pointed away from earth?

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A Capitol Fourth is a great holiday celebration airing on PBS Sunday night at 7:00. The One and Only Dick Gregory airs Sunday night at 8:00 on Showtime. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson is available next Tuesday on NETFLIX; and Big Brother returns for another season next Wednesday night at 7:00 on CBS.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Folks have been waiting for the July movie releases, so here they are. The Forever Purge opens in theaters nationwide this week, along with The Boss Baby: Family Business (which is also available on Peacock) and The God Committee (also available to rent). Fear Street Part One: 1999 is available this week on NETFLIX.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached.” – Jimmy Buffett

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, July 9 – South Grand Lake Chamber Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Friday-Saturday, July 9-10 – Grand Lake Summer Expo at the Grove Civic Center. Thursday, July 15 – Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet at Big Shots. Friday, July 16 – Shangri-La Sunset Cruise from Shangri-La Marina. Saturday, July 17 – Aquapalooza Grand Lake. Monday-Wednesday, July 19-21 – Junior Skills Camp at Shangri-La Golf Club. Thursday, July 22 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at United Fidelity Funding Corp. Thursday-Friday, July 22-23 – Junior Club Championship Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday-Sunday, July 24-25 – Club Championship Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Sunday-Monday, August 1-2 – Shangri-La Invitational Golf Tournament.

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SPORTS WATCH: We’re narrowing down the number of NBA teams as we wrap up the conference championships. The NBA Championship series gets underway next Thursday, July 8.

The PGA players are in Detroit this holiday weekend for the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Coverage begins on The Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, noon Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

The College World Series finals are this week. Vanderbilt and Mississippi State match up in the best-of-three series with games scheduled for Monday night, Tuesday night and, if necessary, Wednesday night at 6:00 on ESPN.

In MLB, there are some good TV rivalries this weekend. Sunday at 6:00 the Yankees host the Mets. Monday night, the White Sox are at Minnesota at 6:00 and the Red Sox are at the Angels at 8:30.

NASCAR drivers are in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin this week for the Jockey Made in America 250 presented by Kwik Trip. Coverage begins at 1:30 Sunday on NBC.

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We’re finally shoving the rain out of here to make way for the big holiday weekend. We may have a scattered shower or two Friday – and maybe Monday morning – but, for the most part it will be a mix of sun and clouds with high temperatures in the low 80s and lows in the lower 60s. We couldn’t dream up better weather for a 4^th of July holiday weekend. There’s great entertainment everywhere you look – so you won’t have to go far to find the fun, no matter where you start. 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.

Ailey’s Café in Langley

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

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

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

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum

Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove

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

Cove Club in Langley

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

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

Gabby’s Place 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 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

Red’s Buffet & Ice Cream in Disney

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)

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

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 Pourhouse at 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