April 29, 2026

What the State Budget Means for Grove & Grand Lake — and Why It Matters to You

Throughout April, we were in Oklahoma City actively advocating for the Grand Lake region and the businesses we serve. During that time, we’ve received many questions about the newly approved state budget and what it means for our local communities. While legislators worked hard on behalf of Oklahoma, several complex issues required prioritization this session. We are encouraged to see that education remains a top priority as our state continues moving forward.

As Oklahoma’s newly approved state budget takes effect, one thing is clear: while the state maintains critical investments in areas like education, healthcare, and workforce support, much of the responsibility for driving meaningful growth continues to rest at the local level.

For communities like Grove and the Grand Lake region (Grand Lake O' the Cherokees), this creates both opportunity and responsibility.

The state’s continued support for schools helps strengthen our workforce pipeline and makes our community more attractive to families and future residents. Investments in healthcare and mental health services help sustain access for our growing population, which is particularly important in a region that serves both working families and retirees. Additionally, support for childcare and workforce programs plays a direct role in helping local businesses find and retain employees.

However, the budget stops short of major new investments in areas critical to our region’s long-term success—such as tourism promotion, workforce housing, and rural infrastructure. That means communities like ours must continue to lead the way. We are proud of our elected officials, who understand the unique needs of the Grand Lake region and worked diligently this session on behalf of our communities. Their willingness to engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that impact our growth is invaluable. We are well represented and sincerely grateful for their leadership and support.

As Grove and the Grand Lake area continue to experience strong growth, the Chamber is prioritizing initiatives that directly support our business community and local economy. From signature events that drive tourism and visitor spending, to business development opportunities, partnerships, and advocacy, we are working every day to build on the momentum we are seeing across our region.

But this work is not done alone.

Your involvement in the Chamber is more important than ever. Engagement, participation, and investment in Chamber programs allow us to amplify our impact. Whether it’s supporting community events, collaborating with fellow businesses, or taking advantage of promotional and networking opportunities, every level of involvement helps strengthen the collective success of our region.

Simply put, while the state budget provides a foundation, our local commitment, collaboration, and leadership will shape the future of Grove and Grand Lake.

We encourage you to stay engaged, get involved, and continue investing in the programs and partnerships that are driving our community forward. Together, we are not just keeping pace with growth, we are helping lead it.

Make it a great week!

~ Amanda

Amanda K. Davis

President, Grove Area Chamber of Commerce

amandadavis@groveareachamber.com

918-786-9079

WELCOME ABOARD

Afton RV Park

112 Locust Street

Afton, OK 74331

405-818-8326

AftonRVParkFB

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Friday, May 8, 10:00 a.m.

Wolf Creek Expo Center

1601 Sunrise Blvd., Grove

Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 a.m.

Durango Construction

113 W 3rd Street, Grove

Friday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.

Afton RV Park

112 Locust Drive, Afton

Friday, June 5, 10:00 a.m.

Vital Health Grove

2104 S Main Street, Grove

Thursday, June 25, 10:00 a.m.

Solid Rock Realtors

1104 S. Main Street, Grove

UPCOMING EVENTS

We would love to help get your information out!

Please send your business activities for next week's newsletter to info@groveareachamber.com before noon on Tuesday.

Also, submit your event to be added to our website calendar of events page at https://groveok.org/calendar-of-events/home/.

Click here to visit our Events Calendar

BANKS & CO

May 9th, 9:30am-2:30pm Two Year Birthday Party, Free gifts, pop up vendors, drinks & snacks, swag bags, discounts & more! 1621 S Broadway, Grove.

CHEROKEE CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, May 1st - Live Music by The Downbeat Duo 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 2nd - Live Music by D'Elegantz 8:00 p.m.

CITY OF GROVE & GROVE CONVENTION AND TOURISM BUREAU

City Wide Garage Sales May 1st-3rd

Food Truck Friday & GA Creative Alliance Arts Festival, May 1st 5-9pm Downtown Square

City Hall is located at 1201 NEO Loop, 918-786-6107.

FRIENDS OF THE GRAND LAKE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Saturday, May 9th, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monthly Meeting, Grove Community Center, 104 W 3rd St. “Bird Communication” Speaker: Janna McFarland

www.grandlakebirders.com

GRAND LAKE CASINO

Friday, May 1st - Live Music by Blues Doctors 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 2nd - Live Music by TBD 9:00 p.m.

Sunday Cornhole Tournament - registration 3:00 p.m. - play 4:00 p.m.

GRAND LAKE FAMILY YMCA

Registration is open for the YMCA's kids summer program.

The Parkinson's Support Group meets on the second Thursday each month at 2:00 p.m. The meeting is open to YMCA members & non-members. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. If you or someone you know has Parkinson's, there is a Parkinson's Combination Exercise Class and Speech Therapy Class that meets every Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 in the YMCA's downstairs group fitness room. There are chair exercises for the body and speech exercise to strengthen the voice and the muscles used for swallowing. The class is free.

Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) free to members & non-members.

More information: https://tristatefamilyymca.org/locations/grand-lake-family-ymca/

GROVE AMERICAN LEGION POST 178

Coffee Bar is open to everyone Monday-Friday 8am - 12pm. Family friendly Bingo Night every Friday 6pm, Doors open at 4:30 with concession stand for snacks and drinks (no alcohol). Grove American Legion monthly meeting - 2nd Tuesday of the month 6pm

Auxiliary meeting, 2nd Thursday of the month, 1pm

Sons of the American Legion meeting - 3rd Monday of the month 6pm

The Grove American Legion Riders meeting - 4th Monday of the month 6pm

An accredited service officer can help Veterans with their benefit claims - Tuesdays 9am-12pm.

The Lee Cathey Hall, Grove American Legion Post 178 ~ 114 S Broadway ~918-791-3259

GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Mondays, 10:30am Early Literacy Storytime, ages 0 - 5

Fridays, 10:30am Movers & Shakers, ages 0-5

1st Wednesday each month, 2:00pm Book Chat, adults

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am, SAIL Fitness, adults

Surplus Sale & Silent Auction - Friday May 1st, 9am-5pm & Saturday May 2nd, 9am-12pm

More information at https://eols.org/grove/

GROVE'S ROYAL LIQUOR

New & Delicious Ready-to-Drink items; Summer Fashions & Accessories; Fun & Funny Adult Humor Greeting Cards; Expanded Bourbon Selections; Bulk Ice; ATM on Site

We are always ready to treat you with ROYALTY at Grove's Royal Liquor, 2116 S. Main Street.

Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-10pm.

HAR-BER VILLAGE MUSEUM

April 30 - May 1 Farm, Ag Education Days

May 9 Ecology Family Day

May 10 Mothers Day - Craft with Mom

May 25 Memorial Day - Veterans Appreciation Day

June 12-13 American Heritage Music Fest & Grand Lake National Fiddle Contest

4404 W. 20th St. Grove

HIGH WINDS CASINO

Porterhouse Steak Saturdays - Prime grade, 20oz, grilled to lock in every ounce of flavor, loaded baked potato stacked high and a fresh house salad. Saturdays in April 5-10pm, $50

2 for Tuesday! 2 Sirloin Steak Dinners for just $22, Tuesdays from 11am to 9pm

Fish Fry Fridays, All-You-Can-Eat Catfish & Sides 11am-10pm, $9.50

INDIGO SKY CASINO AND RESORT

Thursday, April 30th - Live Music by Chris Hyde - Rock & Brews 9:00 p.m.

Friday, May 1st - Live Music by The BakBeatz - ECHO 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 2nd - Live Music by Calvin Loron - ECHO 9:00 p.m.

JANA JAE'S GALLERY SOUTHWEST

Original art, S/N prints, pottery, rugs, furniture, jewelry, Bill Koch wooden bowls and pens, Wayne Graham Cherokee pottery, Charles Banks Wilson stone lithos, Irene's hand-painted silk scarves, one-of-a-kind gifts in your price range.

Wonderful gift items and art originals, jewelry, home decor, more!

Open Tues-Sat, 10am - 5pm ~ 920 S. Main, Grove, OK ~ 918-786-5780

MEND YOGABAR

Grand Lake’s only hot yoga studio. Classes for all levels—gentle Yin to the Mend Method.

Drop-in $20 • First class FREE with Grove Chamber mention.

Tuesday's Audiobook & Craft Club 6:45-8:00pm ~ Members & non-members welcome!

Located at 4707 Hwy 59 N, Grove, (918) 904-4611

Check out the class and event schedule at MendYogaBar.com!

PRAIRIE MOON CASINO

Sunday Special 11:30am-2:30pm, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese & Side, $8.00

Tuesday & Wednesday Special, Hawaiian Burger & Side, $9.00

Located at 202 S Eight Tribes Trail, Miami, OK.

SHANGRI-LA/THE ANCHOR

Thursday, April 30: Exclusive “BBQ” Dinner menu and Prime Rib at The Summit (4:00-9:00 p.m.)

Friday, May 1: Cinco de Mayo Straight Tequila Night with DJ Kyle at The Anchor (8:30-11:30 p.m.)

Saturday, May 2: Ian Munsick Concert at The Battlefield (8-11 p.m. gates open at 5 p.m.)

Sunday, May 3: Prime Rib Special at The Summit (4:00-9:00 p.m.)

Thursday, May 7: Exclusive “Southern” Dinner menu and Prime Rib at The Summit (4-9 p.m.)

Friday, May 8: Trivia Fun with Crystal Ott at The Anchor – 60s & 70s Disco Music Trivia (8:30 p.m.)

Friday, May 8: Disco Inferno Dance Party with DJ Kyle at The Anchor (10:00 p.m.)

Saturday, May 9: Shangri-La Marina/Nichols Marine Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s (5:00-8:00 p.m.)

Saturday, May 9: Three Dollar Rocket performs LIVE at Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s (5:00-8:00 p.m.)

Sunday, May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch at The Summit Restaurant (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – no dinner service)

THE FRIENDS OF THE COLEMAN THEATRE

May 8, Country Music Artist Bryan White

May 9, "Whose Live Anyway" Current cast of "Whose Line is it Anyway?"

May 16-17, Dennis James salutes 100 Years of Route 66

For information and tickets: https://thecolemantheatre.org/

THE REGATTA - DRIFT ON GRAND & BOOM

Drift offers an upscale casual dining experience, perfect for date nights, celebrations, or simply enjoying a thoughtfully prepared meal. Relax at our elegant bar with handcrafted cocktails and enjoy live harp music Friday and Saturday evenings. Follow @driftongrand for the latest updates and features. For reservations, call 918-801-4420.

Upstairs, Boom is your go-to sports bar with a high-energy atmosphere, 30+ TVs, and a menu centered around burgers, wings, and pizza - ideal for game day or any casual night out. Join us every Thursday at 6:00pm for Trivia Night! Each month, Boom donates 10% of all Trivia Night sales to a selected local organization. Follow @boomongrand for more details.

TIPSY QUILTERS

May 9, 9am – 2pm Kimberbell Mother’s Day – Day at the Spa Event, $109 – Lunch Included

Spend the day stitching, relaxing, and getting pampered!

June 20, 9am - Kimberbell: Patriotic Parade

June 24, 5pm - Beginner Binding Class

June 26, 5 - 8pm Julie’s Book Cover Class (Julie Porter) $25 Create your own book cover using sewing, appliqué & cross stitch techniques

June 27, 10am - Mom & Me Sewing Class (with Deb)

Retreat: May 14–16

Retreat: June 10–13

Retreat: July 9–12 Christmas in July Retreat, Featuring Julie Porter

Retreat: September 10-12 Legit Kit

~ All retreats include breakfast & dinner daily

Lodging Options: • Standard Cabin $50/night • Deluxe Cabin w/Kitchenette $65/night

For more classes and information and to reserve your spot visit www.tipsyquilters.com.

Located at 63990 E. 300 Road, Grove. ~ 918-791-0158

WOLF CREEK EXPO CENTER

May 8th, 10:00am Expo Open House and Ribbon Cutting 1601 Sunrise Blvd., Grove

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Shangri La Resort, The Anchor

Business After Hours on April 16th at Shangri-La on Grand Lake Resort was a great evening of networking! Attendees enjoyed delicious snacks, drinks, and the beautiful atmosphere at The Anchor. Shangri-La’s President/CEO, Barry Willingham, shared a few words with the group. Ross Powell, Black Mesa Payments; Nanette Dozier, Cherokee Storage; and Angela Hamilton, Grand River Abstract & Title Co. were all lucking drawing winners. Thank you to the folks at Shangri-La for hosting, and thank you to all that attended!

GRAND LAKE USA SHOPPING PASS

Summer Shopping Campaign

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

TRIAD Eye Institute

SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT

A Star at Shangri-La: Ian Munsick LIVE May 2nd!

Rising country music star Ian Munsick is coming to Shangri-La on Saturday, May 2! Get your tickets now, as this event is sure to sell out. VIP and hotel packages available!

Blending Wyoming ranch roots with modern country, Ian Munsick says his goal as an artist has always been to “portray an accurate picture of the real West.”

Now, you have a chance to see this rising star right here at Shangri-La! Ian is bringing his tour to Monkey Island on Saturday, May 2, and if you want to be here for it, you’d better act fast: Tickets won’t last long.

Event Details

Saturday, May 2 | The Battlefield | Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets: General Admission tickets ($60 plus tax and fees) include event entry and access to standard seating areas. VIP tickets ($150 plus tax and fees) include standing-room-only access in the exclusive VIP area (The Battlefield Clubhouse) located closer to the stage, along with access to a private VIP‑only bar and food area.

Hotel Packages: General Admission packages (including two tickets) are $229/night for three-night stays, $249/night for two-night stays. VIP packages (including two VIP tickets) are $299/night for three-night stays, $319/night for two-night stays.

Please note that this show will have a clear bag policy — only clear bags within approved size limits or small clutches permitted.