by Debbi | Feb 14, 2009 | Off the Wall
We have another new decoration in The Sandbar: beer bottle Christmas lights.
When Dave and I were back in my hometown over Thanksgiving weekend, we went out to a couple of the local bars one night. I never expected him to find inspiration in a small town watering hole, but I guess I underestimated him.
One of the places we went to had strings of empty clear glass beer bottles hanging around the bar area. The bottles were rigged with colored Christmas lights stuck down inside them. It was kind of a cool effect, like something you'd see at an outdoor beach bar.
As soon as we got home Dave gathered up a bunch of empty beer bottles from the bar and set about trying to string them together with wire and Christmas lights. That lasted about two hours and then the craft project sat in our house, half finished, until a couple weeks ago.
So, since Christmas is only eleven months away, we have our first strand of beer bottle lights hanging in the bar. There will probably be more to come. If you're interested in making a set of your own, talk to Dave. He'll tell you all about his creation.
by Debbi | Feb 7, 2009 | Off the Wall
We have a new Sandbar surfboard hanging above the bar, thanks to our friend Damon.
Dave made the surfboard out of 2×6 boards and painted it up nice and pretty, and Damon cut the vinyl letters for us. It's attached to the "roof" that covers the bar.
I didn't even realize it was hanging in the bar yet until I saw pictures on Facebook of people dancing on the bar. Obviously I need to spend more time at the bar. It makes a nice backdrop for the bar dancers.
It's an awesome day down here at The Sandbar. We've been hanging out on the bench in front of the open windows all afternoon, watching all the people walk by. Come on by and enjoy some cold drinks!
by Debbi | Dec 21, 2008 | Off the Wall
Last week, some more of these wooden trinkets arrived on our doorstep. We still have no idea who is creating these and leaving them at the bar. We've also seen them in numerous places around town- lots of businesses downtown, and some other places like our favorite hardware store, Cottin's.
Here's a look at the latest ones to arrive:
All of these were left on the same day, tied together. The stop sign is a departure from his usual plaque. This craftsman is a busy guy. If I knew who he was, I'd buy him a beer.
Tonight is the annual Sandbar Christmas revelry. We're taking a bus to Ottawa to check out the brand new Sandbar Subs shop that Peach is opening. After that, it's back to Lawrence for the gift exchange extravaganza. You can read about last year's hoopla here. It was so much fun that it gave me stories to share for almost a week.
Pictures from past parties are here.
by Debbi | Nov 24, 2008 | Off the Wall
Much of the stuff that graces the walls of The Sandbar was gifted by customers. Many times, graduating seniors who are getting ready to leave Lawrence will leave something behind for us to remember them by; other times they aren't necessarily leaving but just want a piece of themselves on the wall of their favorite bar.
This framed picture hangs high on the wall just to the right of the jukebox. It was presented by three lovely ladies- Lauren, Lindsay, and Elizabeth- who were regular patrons from 2004-2006. Each of them signed the photo, and the frame reads "Thanks for the nights we don't remember, at a bar we'll never forget!"
Thanks, ladies, for the gift.
by Debbi | Nov 10, 2008 | Off the Wall
The Sandbar got a surprise in the mail last week!
A former patron from over ten years ago, Christie in Kirkland, WA, mailed three of her old license plates to us. They're from three different states, Colorado, Washington and Oregon, and all of them are Jayhawk-related vanity plates. She wanted to have them hang on the walls of The Sandbar. I'm assuming that she spent many happy nights here back in 1996.
Christie, if you happen to read this, thank you for the gift! We will happily hang these up, and we hope you come in for a visit sometime!
by Debbi | Oct 15, 2008 | Off the Wall
Last month, Dave's beloved grandfather passed away.
One of our favorite recent memories of Grandpa was his love of The Sandbar. He lived near Wichita so he didn't visit often, but over the last few years various family members drove him to the KU Medical Center for treatments, and there was usually time to stop in Lawrence. Grandpa always insisted on going to The Sandbar for a beer, or a bloody mary, or whatever else he was in the mood to drink.
Several years ago, he was here over Halloween. He got the biggest kick out of seeing all the people in the bar, dressed in costume, dancing and having fun.
And more than a few years ago when Dave and I got married, after Liberty Hall finally kicked our wedding reception out of their place, everyone headed to The Sandbar, including Grandpa. It was a great mix of the young and old, Sandbar regulars and people there for the first time.
After the funeral last month, everyone gathered at Grandpa's house. One thing that Dave really wanted was an old Black Label "Cold Beer" light-up sign that was in Grandpa's shop area. We brought it back to Lawrence and Dave hung it over the doorway.
It has a useful function; it provides a little extra light for the doorguys to check ID's. But it also serves as a reminder of the times Grandpa came to the bar and just how much he enjoyed it. We like to think it's a little piece of him hanging out in the bar with us.
So next time you come in, give a little hello to the Cold Beer sign.
