A Lake Event Born in Florida…..Judy Florida That Is!

Up until now, only one Grand Laker had been certified as having an influence on the weather surrounding a Grand Lake event. Former Cherokee Yacht Club and Hammerhead Marina owner Terry Frost had long claimed a direct line to “Mother Nature” when it came to arranging the weather for events like “Welcome Back Weekend” and “The Christmas Boat Parade.” Well, move over Terry and make room for Judy on one of those bar stools reserved for official Grand Lake weather manipulators. It didn’t look like Florida’s new concocted event at Harbors View Marina this weekend, The Burning of the Sox, was headed anywhere but for a total wash out. All day Saturday, as the rains fell, Judy kept posting on Facebook, the marina’s web site and every other way she could think of that the skies would part and a good time would be had by all. And as if commanded by Queen Judy, the skies parted and a good time was had by all in attendance. Grand Lake’s version of the Burning of the Sox really didn’t come from the state of Florida as the title to this column might suggest, but it certainly was created in the mind of one Judy Florida. This Harbors View Marina Manager, who is one the best Grand Lake success stories I’ve had the privilege of witnessing, actually borrowed the idea from one of her Marina Association pals, Al Walker. Walker is the long-time owner and operator of Number 9 Marina on Lake Eufaula. Walker has been hosting a Burning of the Sox event there for at least the last several years. Of course the real purpose of the event is a good ‘ol time, but it’s billed as saying goodbye to one’s sox and getting into those flip-flops and more casual footwear associated with warmer weather and fun filled times at the lake Throw in a big bonfire, some dogs, some complimentary beverages and you have an old fashioned kick-off party for the summer season. In spite of the threatening weather, close to a hundred people turned out for the inaugural version of the Burning of the Sox. The food fare was as previously mentioned and live music was also provided by Soul-D Out. And in the Grand Lake factoid department; one of the members of the band was self proclaimed rock star Rick Huskey, who used to play occasionally around the lake with the Lion Tamers, but in reality supports his lifestyle with a chiropractic practice and commercial real estate interests. And a special thanks to recent OSU graduate, and daughter of Phil and Tamra Carrott, Stephanie Hillman, who helped me fight of crimson & creamers like Matt Starcevich. But the real story is Judy Florida and how fortunate Marina International is to have her orchestrating their operation here on Grand Lake. The first time I met this dynamo she had been recruited to Grand Lake from Colorado, to run Hookers Sports Bar, located at the Cherokee Yacht Club, for none other than the previously mentioned weather guru, Terry Frost. Judy lead the charge in making the club one of the best run establishments of its type on Grand Lake and perhaps some of that weather expertise rubbed off on her along the way. And dealing with grand sized egos, drunks, people of virtually every personality type and a demanding schedule taught her the people and management skills she still uses today with some creativity built in for good measure. I’ve know Judy for at least twenty years and to see her blossom as a Grand Lake customer service specialist is truly one of the more magical of Grand Lake stories. If I ever knew this gals educational background, it is long since forgotten, but if there has ever been an example of what hard work, commitment and dedication can bring about, this is it. When Judy would serve me my scotch & soda in the early nineties, which she always call a doosoo, if someone had suggested in a few short years she would be managing a marina and have served as president of the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Marina Association, my response might have been less than printable. Since I’ve ceased to me amazed, I have but one question for my old friend, “What’s next Judy?” See Ya’ Around the Pond!