Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum May 27
Last Friday was a true Grand Lake marker for history! The Grand Opening of Shangri-La’s Legacy of Liberty WW II Memorial Park was an event worthy of the incredible park itself. If you want to take a few minutes to be reminded of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, stop by and check out that incredible park. It’s open every day. No admission charge. You’ll be impressed!
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The official summer season is underway at Grand Lake. Over the Memorial Holiday Weekend, everybody managed to find their boat. I know that because I think ALL of them were on the lake! We had a few weather challenges, but Mother Nature was thoughtful enough to schedule most of them for late night. She must have been notifying the party animals that it was time to go home.
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The second-best part of a “Monday Holiday” weekend is Sunday night. All the places that are normally closed Sunday nights are open – and there’s great entertainment and something for us all to do day Sunday night! That’s the second-best part of the weekend. The best part, of course, is when all the holiday tourists pack up and go home leaving the lake to locals – and, most importantly, leaving their money behind. That leaves the lake businesses with enough operating capital to stay open until the party animals come back 4th of July weekend!
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Big news! For everybody who has been waiting two years (or is it three?) for The Landings Marina & Restaurant to reopen, last weekend was the date to mark on your calendar. It’s officially back open! I thought it was pretty gutsy to open a venue under new management for the first time on a holiday weekend, but according to all reports I’ve heard – it’s all good. Welcome back!
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From the department of redundancy department. Oklahoma lawmakers are considering submitting a state question that would amend the Oklahoma constitution to prohibit anyone from voting in Oklahoma unless they are a United States citizen. I guess we might as well pass it since it has already been federal law forever. It is election year, though. I guess it’s good campaign fodder.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Bill Hodge, Linda Morrison, Lori Magoulas, Ron Griffin, Arlene Seybolt, Brinda Russell, Kathy DeLucco, Jim Sellers, Shaun Tune, Andrew Doney, Margerete Schenke, Karen Gallagher, Valerie Carter, Tiana Douglas, Nick Bowers, Chris Mullen, Lance Locke, Hank Kraft, and Julie McFerron.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday night is the weekly Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La (5:00 p.m.). Friday is the Grove Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course (8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. tee times), and the Final Friday celebration at Langley City Park with Jana Jae and Cornerstone Bluegrass & Gospel (5:30 p.m.). Friday & Saturday The Anchor at Shangri-La features summer Lawn-a-thon family fun with inflatable games on the Anchor Lawn (1:00 p.m.). Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Laken Zimmerman offers Yoga on the lawn at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La. Saturday morning is also “Farmers Market” in downtown Grove (8:00 a.m.), Camp Bandage at Grand Lake RV Park in Duck Creek (12:00-4:00 p.m.) and the Dog-a-Thon – a fundraising 1 mile walk with your dog benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue at the YMCA Soccer fields in Grove (7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Saturday is also the Fairy Festival at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (1:00-5:00 p.m.). Saturday afternoon, Jason Morgan hosts SINGO competition at The Anchor (3:00-5:00), and Saturday afternoon is a Co-Ed “Pitching” Golf Clinic at the Championship Course at Shangri-La (3:00 p.m.).
The Cherokee Casino Big Bass Bash is Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Next week, the Junior Players Academy is at Shangri-La Golf Club Monday-Wednesday (8:30 a.m. daily).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: "Indiana" was the name of George Lucas' Alaskan Malamute and the source of not only the name of “Indiana Jones,” but the character “Chewbacca” in the Star Wars movies.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Caitlin Clark has signed a multi-year deal with Wilson, including a signature basketball. The last player to sign such a deal with Wilson was Michael Jordan.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Last Saturday night’s Big XII Baseball Bedlam Tournament Championship Game was the final Big XII game for all sports at OU.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: My teacher told me not to worry about spelling because there is now autocorrect. And for that I am eternally grapefruit.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Student Drop-Off. No Stopping.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I threw a ball for my dog. Extravagant, I know, but he looks great in a tuxedo.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: I’ve been experimenting with breeding racing deer. People have accused me of just trying to make a fast buck.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do rich people still drive around eating mustard?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: It’s important to pay close attention. I went to the grocery store the other day and the cashier said my total bill was $208.47. I wanted a second opinion, so I went to self-checkout and my new total was $43.20.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I’m not going to buy my kids and encyclopedia. Let ‘em walk to school like I did.” – Yogi Berra
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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Sometime back, a young man from Shawnee, Oklahoma made his debut on television. It was his first speaking part ever which included a two-episode role as the character Chris on the NBC soap opera "Another World." He went on to do some additional film work in his career. That was 37 years ago. May, 1987. His name is Brad Pitt.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend with Thursday Night Karaoke at the Shrimp Boil on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Friday night, Rockwell entertains live at Doc’s. There is karaoke fun on The Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday night, Travis Kidd headlines the weekend musical fun at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (8:00-11:00). Wednesday night is “Cocktails & Karaoke” night at Blind Swine and Erin Fitzgibbon will perform Friday night at the Swine Monkey Island location. DJ K-Bandito leads the musical fun Friday & Saturday nights at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze.
On South Grand, GTM & The Unlisted entertain at Blind Swine on Duck Creek Friday night. Jamie Hooper will be on stage early Thursday night (6:00) at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The James Muns Band Friday night, Reverse Reaction Saturday and an early show Sunday (4:30 p.m.) featuring Dustin Pittsley with Ayngeldust. Whiskey Poet Society will headline Friday night fun at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina followed by The Jon Moody Band Saturday night.
In Grove, The Yacht Club entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove. Dime a Dozen will be on stage Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655.
Michelle Warren starts the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Uncrowned Kings Friday and Diversity Saturday night. Comedian Anthony Jeselnik entertains Friday night (6:00) in The Pavilion at Downstream Casino. In Club 60 West at River Bend Casino, there is late night karaoke with DJ Kay beginning at 11:00 Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Landings Marina restaurant has finally re-opened! Grand Lake Public House now offers free delivery from 4:00-7:30 to locations within 5 miles of the restaurant in Grove. The Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is now open Thursday-Sunday. They open at 11:00 Thursday & Friday mornings, but they open at 8:00 Saturday & Sunday mornings for their popular breakfast buffet. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina is now open for the season – opening Thursdays at 4:00, and Friday-Sunday at 11:00. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now open Tuesday-Sunday (11:00 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. Friday-Sunday). Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina and Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina are now open for the season, as well.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Jim Henson: Idea Man debuts Friday on Disney+. American Ninja Warrior returns to NBC Monday night at 7:00, and Name That Tune returns to Fox, also Monday at 7:00.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Ezra, Backspot, and Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle open in movie theaters Friday.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 6 – Grove Public Library Foam Party (10:00 a.m.-Noon). Friday, June 7 – First Friday Wine Share at The Monkey Buzz in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Friday, June 7 is opening night for the hilarious one-woman show, Ann, at Playmakers in Grove (7:30). There is also a show Sunday, June 9 at 2:00 and every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday thereafter until June 21. Friday, June 7 – Barkaritaville Fundraiser benefiting Second Chance Pet Rescue at Honey Creek Barbeque at Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove (6:30-10:00 p.m.) – music by Brett N’ Terri. Friday & Saturday, June 7-8 – Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday & Saturday, June 7-8 – American Heritage Music Festival hosted by Jana Jae at Har-Ber Village (Friday at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at 6:00 p.m.). Saturday, June 8 – Grand Lake YMCA Triathlon (7:00 a.m.). Saturday, June 8 – PING Fitting Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (9:00 a.m.-1:00). Saturday, June 8 – Boats, Bikes & BBQ at MarineMax Grand Lake (4:00-8:00 p.m.). Sunday, June 9 – Thunder on Wolf Creek boat races at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Monday-Wednesday, June 10-12 – Youth Tennis Camp at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (8:30 a.m.). Tuesday, June 11 – Grand Lake Newcomers Club 20th Anniversary Celebration Lunch at the Grove Community Center (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Friday, June 14 – Opening night for “The Story of Ruth” at Picture in Scripture Amphitheater. Friday & Saturday, June 14-15 – Route 66 Festival in Vinita. Monday-Friday, June 17-21 – Grove Police Department Summer Youth Academy (8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Saturday, June 22 – Battle in the Saddle Pony Express Races & Juneteenth Celebration at Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita (4:00 p.m.-midnight). Thursday-Sunday, June 27-28 – Grand Meridian RV Resort’s 7th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest.
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The Women’s College World Series gets underway this week. First games are Thursday, May 30 with action continuing through June 7. Both OU and OSU are in the World Series!
It’s time for the NCAA Baseball Regionals. Regional action is this weekend – Friday through Monday. Then, it’s on to the Super Regionals to see who qualifies for the College World Series.
NBA Playoffs continue with best-of-seven Conference Championship battles continuing this week. As necessary, games will continue through Monday. NBA Championship action between the winners of Conference titles will begin Thursday, June 6.
PGA Golfers are headed to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada this weekend. Coverage of the RBC Canadian Open begins on the Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, 1:30 Saturday and 12:30 Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 4:30 Saturday & 1:30 Sunday.
NASCAR drivers will be enjoying Illinois this weekend (although one driver will undoubtedly enjoy it more than the others). Coverage of the Enjoy Illinois 300 begins Sunday at 2:30 on FS1.
It’s the last regular season week for UFL professional football with two games Saturday and two more Sunday. Michigan and Birmingham face off Saturday morning at 11:00, followed by San Antonio and St. Louis at 3:00. Sunday games include Arlington and D.C. at 11:00 a.m., followed by Houston and Memphis at 6:00.
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Except for the temperatures, the forecast for the weekend ahead looks like the last eight weekends. “A chance of scattered thunderstorms.” What else is new? Temperatures will be nice, though – highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-60s. We’ll have sunshine for the most part, though (except at night) – so get out there and have some fun! Remember, though, wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It might 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.
Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (closed for the season)
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
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 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)
Cove Club in Langley
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
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
Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
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
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek
Hero’s Deli 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
Keagan’s Coffee at Littlefield Corner
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Legacy Eatery in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias 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
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
R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove
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
Royal Liquor Store in Grove
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina
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
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove