Sandbar Ottawa’s April Specials

The Sandbar in Ottawa came up with a fantastic idea for sharing their monthly food, drink, and event specials. We liked it so much that we're going to steal their idea and use it in Lawrence, too.

They recruited Ottawa graphic designer Katy Boothe of Clover Hill Originals to create a monthly calendar that they can hang in the shop, pass copies of to customers, or hang around town. It's such a great idea- I'm a little embarrassed that we haven't thought of it ourselves!

Honestly, every day at the Sandbar in Ottawa features a great special. But here's a couple we want to highlight:

  • Tuesdays: Every Tuesday is Ottawa University night. Show your valid student ID from Ottawa University, and enjoy a $1 discount on your food order.
  • Fridays: 2 for 1 burgers! It's a great time to try one of their fantastic burgers, and the special is valid all day long.

Click the image below for a larger view of the calendar, so you can see their other great specials and even some events they have planned.

AprilCalendarOttawa

And soon, we'll have a calendar like this for Lawrence! Along with a fantastic new Wednesday special that we're dying to tell you about…

Walk MS 2010 was a Success!

Yesterday's Walk MS in Lawrence was a huge success!

The Sandbar team's 17 members had a great time. Most of us met at the bar at 8:30 am- and for several of us it was a VERY early morning. Carpools were arranged and orange special edition Sandbar/Walk MS shirts were handed out. Then, it was off to registration at Sunflower Elementary.

The volunteers who staffed the event did a great job. There was breakfast food and water available to everyone, and the registration lines moved quickly. All walkers who raised at least $100 got a free Walk MS t-shirt, too.

20100410_walkms_0004 As the walkers lined up at the starting point, buzz was building about a very special guest who had been spotted- Secretary of Health & Human Services and former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was present! She cut the ribbon at the starting line, and she also walked with the group.

Two walking routes were available- 3 miles and 6 miles. Guess which one we picked. It was funny, though, because team member Courtney's mom and aunt thought we all picked the long route, so they turned a different way, thinking they were taking the short route. Turns out, we were on the short route- and they created their own even shorter route. I think she was disappointed when she found out she didn't actually walk 3 miles.

Our whole team finished, and Michelle and Bettina even did a celebratory run to the finish line for their medals.

After the walk, we all headed back to the Sandbar for sandwiches, fruit, and cake graciously provided by team captain Courtney. And let me tell you, we were a lively bunch….everyone was tired. Or maybe hungover. But we're not judging.

Thanks to everyone who donated funds or walked for the cause- your efforts are truly appreciated!

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Walk MS 2010 in Lawrence

Well, the time has come for our awesome Sandbar team to take to the sidewalks in West Lawrence and walk for MS.

The annual Walk MS, a fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is tomorrow. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Sunflower Elementary School and the Walk begins at 10. I haven't been able to find any information about how long the Walk is- it could be a mile, or we could be walking all day.

Our team is currently in second place among Lawrence teams with $2033 raised! We set a lofty goal of $5000, so we fell short of that- but it sounds like some of our walkers still have cash & check donations that haven't been included in our total.

The first place team is the Old West Lawrence Walkers, and holy cow! They have raised $8470 as of right now! That's truly amazing and we concede there's no way we'll overtake them.

Funny enough, there's also a Team Margaritaville in the Lawrence Walk! It's not us, but we love their name! And some of our other Sandbar friends are on Team Droopy.

Come out tomorrow to Sunflower Elementary and support our team. We'll be the ones in the bright orange Sandbar shirts. And, it's not too late to donate if you're so inclined. Head over to our Team Page and make a donation online, or contact one of our team members. 

After the Walk, we'll be celebrating with an after-party at the Sandbar. Join us, or check it out on the webcam!

College Carnival Street Party April 19

Exciting news for fans of outdoor block parties!

The Cartoon Network is planning a street party on Monday, April 19, in the block of 8th Street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire- in other words, right in front of The Sandbar. The event is part of a promotions campaign for the network's Adult Swim programming.

The event consists of a "College Carnival," which features carnival type booths and games, along with a couple of bands. The Whips, from Athens, GA, will headline the event. Games begin at 6:30 p.m., and the music lasts until 9:30 p.m.

The street will close at 9 a.m. that day to allow for event set-up and will reopen at midnight after clean-up is completed.

No alcohol will be served in the street, and we are not extending our patio service like we did for our anniversary party. The event is geared toward college students, but it's free for everyone to attend.

We are really excited about this event! Monday nights aren't always the most exciting, and we love a good block party. Be sure to mark your calendar.

More information from the LJWorld:

Outside group looking to bring ‘college carnival’ to Eighth Street downtown

Carnival planned by Cartoon Network

A Letter to the Ghost

I found this letter in the doorguys' notebook. We keep this notebook for staff to write about problems, incidents, or funny stuff that happens on their shift. It began as a way for Dave to know what was happening, but now it mostly provides fodder for this blog.

I should also tell you that this entry was dated 11/31/08. And it was written in purple pen. And it was unsigned.

To The Ghost:

So, I've worked here a little over a year now and the trash can has never fallen down the stairs on my time, but now it falls down the stairs about three times a week. I remember in the movie "Ghost" when Patrick Swayze meets the ghost that always is hitting and knocking crap over and then he teaches Swayze how to do it by focusing his emotion on his intended target.

What I'm trying to communicate to you, Ghost, is stop knocking the trash can down the stairs because it's getting really lame.

The trash can referenced above is used for fish tank maintenance and stored on the stairs that go to the basement. Did you know we have a basement? You can get there through the women's restroom, but I don't recommend it. It's scary.

I'm pretty sure this was written by Joe. Can anyone confirm?