Robbie Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland on or around Jan. 25.
It commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born Jan. 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture. His best known work is Auld Lang Syne.
The Kalamalka Highlanders and the Arran Campbell Memorial Youth pipe bands are paying tribute to the bard with their annual Burns night. The evening centers on the entrance of the haggis (a type of sausage prepared in a sheep’s stomach) on a large platter to the sound of a lone piper.
When the haggis is on the table, the host reads the Address to a Haggis, an ode that Burns wrote to the Scottish dish. At the end of the reading, the haggis is ceremonially sliced into two pieces and the meal begins.
Along with the haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) are served alongside roast beef. Vegetarians need not worry as there is plenty of non-meat items to enjoy.
Entertainment will be rounded out with toasts to the bard and the ladies, then the pipe bands will entertain along with some highland dancers. The evening will finish with everyone joining in on some Scottish country dancing (lessons included!)
The annual Robbie Burns dinner takes place at the Vernon Recreation Centre Jan. 28.
Tickets are $35/adults and $20/children 12 and at the Ticket Seller, 250-549-7469. Doors open 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:15.
