November 21 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
I’m happy to announce that I survived last Saturday on Monkey Island. It wasn’t easy. I had to start early at The Anchor because the TCU-Baylor game started at 11:00. Then the K-State game, then the Kansas game…and all of a sudden my bar tab had made it to the beginning of the Bedlam watch party. I managed to slip away to the Shangri-La golf shop for the always-fun Festivus party. That gave my bar tab a little break, but not my liver, because there were complimentary beverages. Naturally, I had to make my way down the road for the Chili Cook-off & Bedlam Party at Big Shots before joining my buds at the Monkey Island Thanksgiving potluck dinner at Monkey Island Pub. I barely made it back to The Anchor in time to close out my bar tab at the end of the Utah-Oregon game, swearing I would never drink again! Thankfully, I woke up again Sunday morning with enough sense to realize I once again needed to retract my silly commitment from the night before. Cheers!
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The marketing team from Paramount+ must have spent a little time at Grand Lake learning how to draw a big crowd for an important event. Sylvester Stallones’s new series Tulsa King debuted on the network last weekend. To celebrate, Paramount+ offered everyone in Tulsa a free month of Paramount+. However, they sweetened the pot after learning how Grand Lake promoters draw crowds – they also bought beer for patrons who watched the series premiere at one of 11 clubs & bars in Tulsa. It’s always been the best marketing slogan: “To show off your product, offer it free. To make sure you maximize exposure, offer free booze.”
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The South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce started last weekend’s party mode early with their “First Christmas Party of the Year” – the Annual Chamber Banquet at Shangri-La last Thursday including the presentation of “Outstanding Service” awards. Congratulations to Volunteer of the Year Jan Leake, Business of the Year – Grand Laker Newspaper & Lady Shutterbug, Outstanding Chamber Supporter of the Year – Jeromy McMorris and Matthews Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Barbara Conner Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. Bruce Howell, and Grand Laker of the Year Mike Williams. Great party to start a party-filled weekend. That’s how we roll.
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Now we slide into one of my two favorite holidays of the year – Thanksgiving. My other favorite is New Years. No gifts, no big crowds taking up all the bar stools and courtesy slips, no pressure – just drinking, eating and football. Doesn’t get much better than that when the temperatures discourage extending boating time. If the weather discourages your boating altogether, you might have the wrong boat. Whatever you do, take a little time to enjoy relaxing with good friends!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Susan Kimball, Mark Winter, Michael Bujold, Dawn Cook, Marilyn Davidson, Mark Oliver, Cathy Mackey, Linda Lippitt, Jack McFadden, J.B. Robison, Jr., Reid Smith, Priscilla Wallace, Amanda Thrift, Debbie Holcomb White, Ron Miller, Sherry Dinsmore, Bob Livesay, Amber Hopeman, Marvin Jin, Mike Ferguson, Jade Piper, Terry Davis, Sandra Moore, and Mike Vaughn.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Just because it’s a big holiday weekend, that doesn’t mean there’s not Grand Lake fun! The Anchor at Shangri-La will be open Thanksgiving Day for all the big NFL games and lots of family fun. Thursday is the First night of Pine Lodge Resort’s “Winter Wonderland” drive-thru Christmas lights (Continues through January 1). Friday is the annual Black Friday Seafood Extravaganza at The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La. Friday & Saturday are opening nights for Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village at Har-Ber Village. Saturday is “Shop Small” Small Business Saturday. If you support local merchants like you should, you won’t have to worry about Cyber-Monday.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The Decatur, Ill., Staleys, moved to Chicago in 1921, and were bought by George Halas and a partner for $100 from the Staley Food Starch Co. Today, the Chicago Bears are valued at $5.8 billion and still owned by Halas' descendants.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: “Stewardesses” is the longest word typed with only the left hand and “lollipop” is the longest typed with only the right.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: My new SUV has a button that says “rear wiper.” I’m afraid to push it.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK (seen on a “Welcome” door mat): Don’t stop. Be leaving.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Apparently you can’t use the phrase “beef stew” as a password. It’s not stroganoff.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: The contractor who recently finished remodeling my kitchen has just been charged with counterfitting.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why doesn’t the fattest man in the world become a hockey goalie?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: 9 out of 10 times when I lose something, it’s because I put it in a “safe place” I would never forget.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Wilma Mankiller, the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, would have turned 77 years old last week. Actress/dancer/singer/producer Goldie Hawn turns 77 this week. By the way, for those who don’t think marriages between two famous people can last, Goldie and actor Kurt Russell have been married since 1983.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Listen to the people who are talking about ow to fix what’s wrong, not the ones who just work people into a snit over the problems. Listen to the people who have ideas about how to fix things, not the ones who just blame others.” – Molly Ivins
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Clint Ingram performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. DJ K-Bandito hosts the late-night fun at Big Saturdays at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze; and Saturday is also Rockstar Karaoke night with DJ Chris Kennedy at Monkey Island Pub.
On South Grand Lake, RocKFiscH entertains Saturday night at the Drunken Rooster and Barrett Lewis will entertain Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill.
In Grove, there is karaoke fun every Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music Friday night by Bobby DeGonia, and more karaoke Saturday. Brent Giddens performs Wednesday night at Cherokee Casino Grove followed by a Thanksgiving evening performance by The Swade Diablos Thursday. The Widowmakers will entertain Friday night followed by the Luke Christenson Band Saturday.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there is no live entertainment Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, but Left of Center will be on stage Friday night followed by Johnny Dale Roberts Saturday. Torn entertains Saturday night at Club 60 West at River Bend Casino.
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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La will be open Thanksgiving Day serving a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner 11:00-7:00. Twin Bridges Restaurant at River Bend Casino will have a Thanksgiving Day Buffet 11:00-6:00. Cherokee Yacht Club will hold a Thanksgiving Day Brunch 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The delayed opening of Bailey’s Bistro at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island is now planned for next Tuesday - November 29. They’ll be open from 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Criminal Minds: Evolution premieres on Paramount+ Thursday. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special will be available Friday on Disney+. Mickey Saves Christmas airs at 6:00 Sunday night followed by The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration at 7:00, both on ABC. The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday at 7:00 on NBC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Strange World, Devotion, Bones and All, and The Fabelmans all open in movie theaters this week. Fantasy Football will be available on Paramount+. The Noel Diary, The Swimmers and Christmas on Mistletoe Farm are all available this week on NETFLIX.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, December 1 – “Gathering of Creators” at the Grove Public Schools Performing Arts Center (10:00-11:30) sponsored by the Grove Area Creative Alliance. Thursday, December 1 – Online fundraising action for Boys & Girls Club of Delaware County. Thursday, December 1 – Vinita Christmas Parade of Lights (6:00). Friday, December 2 – 1st Friday Wine Share at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00). Friday, December 2 – Miami Christmas Tree Lighting at Security Bank on Main (6:00). Friday-Sunday, December 2-4 – Journey to Jesus at Oasis Animal Adventures (3:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 3 – Big 12 Football Championship Game at The Anchor. Saturday, December 3 – Grand Lake’s Mr. & Miss Merry Christmas Pageant at Grove Middle School Auditorium (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 3 – Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village at Har-Ber Village. Wednesday, December 7 – Annual Sagittarian Party at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze featuring Larry Duke as Guest Chef. Moon Soups Chili Cookoff & Christmas Party at Journey Home Décor in Grove (4:00-7:00 p.m.). Friday, December 9 – Gateway to Grand Lake Christmas Parade in Ketchum (6:30). Saturday, December 10 – 2nd Chance Pet Rescue annual Breakfast & Dessert Auction at the Grove Community Center (9:00 a.m.). Saturday, December 10 – Grove Christmas Lights Parade (6:00). Saturday, December 10 – Grand Lake Christmas Lights Boat Parade from Cherokee Yacht Club (4:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 10 – A Big Band Christmas at The Coleman Theater in Miami (7:00). Sunday, December 11 – “A Monkey Island Christmas Card” musical sing-along with entertainer Terry Jordan in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00 p.m.). Tuesday, December 13 – Grand Lake Newcomers Club Christmas Brunch & Gift Exchange at Grove Christian Center (10:00 a.m.). Friday, December 16 – Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00-10:00 p.m.). Friday, December 16 – Inaugural Christmas Party at The Legacy in Grove (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 17 – Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village at Har-Ber Village. Sunday, December 18 – Christmas Brunch with Santa at The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (10:00-2:00). Sunday, December 18 - “A Monkey Island Christmas Card” musical sing-along with entertainer Terry Jordan in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00 p.m.).
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It’s a huge holiday sports weekend! In the college football world, Mississippi State and Ole Miss kick off the weekend Thanksgiving night at 6:00. Friday, Baylor takes on Texas (11:00), Arkansas is at Missouri (2:30), and Florida is at Florida State (6:30). Saturday, OSU hosts West Virginia at 11:00, Tulsa is at Houston, and OU travels to Texas Tech for a prime time kick-off at 6:30. Other great match-ups include Michigan at Ohio State at 11:00, Auburn at Alabama at 2:30, Iowa State at TCU at 3:00, LSU at Texas A&M at 6:00, Notre Dame at USC at 6:30, and Kansas at Kansas State at 7:00.
Thanksgiving Day is all about NFL Football, of course. Detroit hosts Buffalo at 11:30, The Giants are in Dallas at 3:30, and the Vikings host the Patriots at 7:00. Sunday NFL games include Tampa Bay at Cleveland and Cincinnati at Tennessee (both at noon), L.A. Rams at Kansas City (3:30), and Green Bay at Philadelphia (7:00). Monday Night Football features Pittsburgh at Indianapolis.
The NBA season is well underway. The OKC Thunder are at home hosting Denver Wednesday and Chicago Friday before hitting the road for games at Houston Saturday and New Orleans Monday before returning home to host the Spurs next Wednesday. All games are at 7:00 and televised on Bally Sports Oklahoma.
FIFA World Cup soccer competition continues all week and well into next month. The USA team faces England Friday at 1:00. Saturday, France and Denmark battle at 11:00 and Argentina takes on Mexico at 1:00. Sunday, it’s Spain vs. Germany at 1:00.
PGA Players have the holiday weekend off. Next up is Tiger Woods hosting the Hero World Challenge December 1.
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The Thanksgiving holiday weekend weather at least looks a little better than the last weekend. It’ll still be chilly Thanksgiving day, but for the weekend we’ll warm up to high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 50s with lows in the mid-30s. That’s plenty good to get out and about for some holiday fun. Remember, though, wherever 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
Casa Gutierrez in Grove
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 Restaurant in Grove
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill
E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek
Forage in downtown Grove & The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
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
Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek
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
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Monkey Island RV Resort
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
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 (smoking on the deck)
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 (smoking...but not at lunch)
Royal Liquor Store in Grove
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 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
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