I hope you were on hand to enjoy the picture perfect Grand Lake weather for Father's Day weekend – well, at least the Saturday weather. There were so many boaters, golfers, and nighttime partiers, I thought the 4th of July holiday weekend had arrived while I was asleep. Mother Nature planned it perfectly! Saturday featured the most daylight hours of the year combined with the most beautiful weather we've had so far this season. It was a little disappointing to wake up to Sunday morning Father's Day rain, but it soon gave way to a little afternoon sun accompanied by the obligatory accompanying wind. Maybe we'll start getting some of that "perfect weather" more than two days in a row. I can't wait to see what the lake is like when the actual Independence Day holiday arrives next week. It's gonna be a fantastic Grand Lake celebration of America's 250th!
The 2026 Primary Elections are over in Oklahoma. There are, however, a significant number of runoff elections scheduled for August 25. That means you should enjoy the brief relief from political commercials on television while you can, because they'll probably start back up within the next week or two.
As if poor President Trump isn't having enough problems with his battles trying to come out of the Iran war without being embarrassed, now he is embarrassed by his $14 million Reflecting Pool turning green – even after all the dark blue paint. I guess he should have thought before hiring a filtration company named…Green Water. No kidding. That was the name of the company…and that's what we've got.
Are you watching the FIFA World Cup? Are you placing bets? As it turns out, lots of people are doing both. More than any other time in history. Hard Rock Bet says betting on the World Cup is on pace to eclipse the Super Bowl and March Madness combined. The first Saturday, which featured Game 5 of the NBA Finals and three World Cup matches, marked the first time the prediction market Kalshi surpassed $1 billion in volume on a single day. The next day, it did it again. With the USA advancing to the elimination round, the wagering numbers will probably climb even higher. Oklahoma, of course, is late to the game. Still no legal sports betting in Oklahoma.
It looks like a new generation of Grand Lakers may actually get to experience the thrill of touring the lake on the legendary Cherokee Queen paddle-wheeler. It has been spotted in trial runs on the water, and owner Larry Steckline says The Queen may be back in business accepting passengers by late July. The return of a legend!
Nothing irritates me more than the "click-bait" on social media. If someone posts an enticing one-sentence post followed by "story in the comments," you may rest assured I will never see the story because I'm not about to fall for that. If you have something to say, put it in your post. Are you with me?
Grand Lake Bum Shout-Outs
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Mary Reneau, Autumn Love, Jason Benson, Patricia McDonald, Rob Stallings, Angella Johnson, Joe Zaloudek, Sarah Brock, Terri Ogle, Terri Fowler, Dallas Sorrels, Patricia Sanford, Bobbie Pierce, Katharyn Hart, Tonya Moorhead, and Dandy Risman.
Best Grand Lake Events This Week
Thursday morning is the Wyandotte Nation Golf Tournament at Peoria Ridge Golf Course benefiting the NEO Veterans Cemetery (8:00 a.m.). Thursday night is "Thursday Trivia" at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Friday morning is the Grove Chamber's "Coffee & Conversations" breakfast with elected officials at the Grove Community Center (8:00 a.m.). Farmers Market is open Saturday 8:00–1:00 on Grove's Downtown Square; and Saturday Morning Market in Langley is open Saturday 9:00–12:00 next to Reasor's. Saturday is also a Formula Boat Owners' Rendezvous beginning at Honey Creek Landing Marina (11:00 a.m.). Sunday is an Open House at Marina Del Rey Resort (12:00 p.m.).
Randy Krehbiel's Random Factoid of the Week
Nevada, Missouri was originally named Hog Eye.
Fun Fact of the Week
There was some fun "brotherly love" in the College World Series. OU second baseman Kyle Branch squared off against his older brother, Georgia shortstop Kolby Branch. Not all brothers were in conflict, though. A couple of brothers were key to getting OU to the World Series in the first place – both pitchers: Senior LJ Mercurius and his Freshman phenom brother Xander.
Odd Fact of the Week
The last televised cigarette commercial in the United States aired January 1, 1971.
Best Facebook Post of the Week
If I complain about being out of shape, I don't actually want fitness tips and workouts to try. I just want to complain and remain out of shape. What is wrong with you people?
Word Fun This Week
You know English is a tough language when "take out" can mean food, dating, or murder.
Best Sign Seen This Week
Absolutely no clothing or footwear is allowed in the Garden Center.
Best Bluesky Post of the Week
If I told you I saw a cage match in someone's front yard where half of the house had been torn down and the pool was filled with algae, you'd probably think I live in a pretty bad neighborhood.
Pun of the Week
After the last of her children moved out, the Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe sold her two-story shoe and retired to a one-bedroom flat.
Unanswered Question of the Week
If everyone in the world wrote down their problems and put them in a hat, would you risk grabbing one, or keep yours?
Observation of the Week
Guys with an eye patch and three fingers sell the best fireworks.
"They call it golf because all the other four-letter words were taken."
– Raymond FloydFeel-Old Moment of the Week
I'm not saying I'm old…but when I was in school, we all made our parents ashtrays for Christmas.
Best Weekend Live Entertainment
On Monkey Island, Lil' Red & The Sidepiece start the weekend early Wednesday night at Whitecap at The Landings Marina (6:00). There's karaoke with Tim Robinson Thursday night on Doc's Patio at Shangri-La (6:00–9:00). Friday night, there's Sing-A-Long Singo fun with Crystal Ott at The Anchor (9:00) and a Classic Rock Night with DJ Kyle; and live music by Broken Aces Friday night at Eddy's Lakeside Bar. Saturday, there's a full day of poolside entertainment at Shangri-La with DJ Kyle (11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.); and The Bison Band will be on stage at Eddy's Lakeside Bar (8:00–11:00). There's karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night at The Monkey Bar, followed by a live performance by Chris Bassett Saturday night; and Randall George will be on stage Saturday night at Road Hog Saloon.
On South Grand Lake, The Highway 69ers will be on stage Friday night at Sharky's at Hammerhead Marina followed by Empire Saturday night, and Brent Giddens Sunday afternoon. James Muns kicks off midweek fun Wednesday night at Mooney's Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Dillon Leggett is featured Thursday night at Mooney's, followed by The Conor Culpepper Trio with Matt Martin & Rick Huskey Friday night, Wanda Watson Saturday night; and a special matinee performance by Jackson Glasby Sunday (4:00). Lickitty Split will make a rare appearance at Grand Meridian Saturday night. Broken Aces will be live at Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club Saturday night; and Magen Faulconer will join Lil' Red & The Sidepiece at Blind Swine next Tuesday evening (6:00).
In Grove, Beaty Creek will entertain Friday night at Grand Lake Casino's Venue 655. Soul Shaker starts the musical fun Friday night at Cherokee Casino followed by The Chain Project Saturday night.
In Cognito kicks off the weekend Thursday at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Mayday by Midnight Friday, and The BakBeatz Saturday. The BakBeatz will be on stage at Downstream Casino's Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by Left of Center Saturday night. MJ The Illusion will be in concert at Riverbend Casino's Club 60 Event Center Saturday night, and Diversity will entertain at Club 60 West. There's Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino's Peoria Showplace.
Dining & Drinking Update
Big Shots on Monkey Island is now under new ownership. The Shebang has reopened on Monkey Island, also under new ownership. For those wondering about The Farmhouse (formerly The Artichoke) in Langley, they are planning an opening sometime next month.
Bum Must-See TV
CMA Music Fest airs Thursday night at 7:00 on ABC. Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness airs Friday night at 8:00 on HBO. Paul Simon: The Quiet Celebration Concert airs on Hulu and Disney+ Friday night.
Bum Must-See Movies
Supergirl, Jackass: Best and Last, and Couture debut in movie theaters this week.
Save the Date
- Wednesday, July 1 – Vinita Fireworks
- Friday, July 3 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La, Grove Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove, Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney, Horse Creek Fireworks, Gran Tara Fireworks
- Saturday, July 4 – "America 250! American Family Traditions" at Har-Ber Village — Americana games and family fun (9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, July 4 – "Toby Keith Day" Raft-Up in Woodard Hollow (12:00–4:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks, Miami Fireworks, Blue Bluff Harbor Fireworks, Jay Fireworks
- Thursday, July 16 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala at Indigo Sky Casino (6:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, July 18 – Night Golf at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (8:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, July 25 – Grand Jam On The Water Concert in Duck Creek
There are multiple FIFA World Cup games every day for the next few weeks. The undefeated United States team plays again Thursday at 9:00 against Turkiye. They won't play again until the Elimination Round next Wednesday.
PGA Golfers are in Connecticut this week for the Travelers Championship. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.
NASCAR drivers are in Sonoma, California this week for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Coverage begins at 2:30 Sunday afternoon on TBS Sports and HBO Max.
Major League Baseball fans have a big weekend – especially if you like hard-fought rivalries. The Yankees face the Red Sox in Boston Thursday at 6:00, Friday at 6:00, Saturday at noon, and again Sunday night at 6:00.
WNBA games have lots of televised action. Phoenix is at Toronto Saturday at 1:00 and Los Angeles is at Indiana Saturday night (6:00). Sunday games include Minnesota at Dallas (1:00), Las Vegas at Chicago (3:00), and New York at Golden State (6:00).
The weather forecast for the pre-holiday weekend looks great for Grand Lake. There may be a shower or two, of course, but for the most part, we'll have sunshine with light winds, and high temperatures in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-70s. By Sunday & Monday, we'll warm up even more! There's plenty happening around the lake this weekend, so get out and enjoy it. But remember, wherever you party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me! (And thanks for the great Ron Young who is pretty much the only one who regularly takes action on that advice.)
GRAND LAKE BUM
