The Medicine Hat Burns Club is hosting its 16th annual Robert Burns Celebration evening Feb. 11 at Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.--PHOTO CREDIT TO JOAN KENNEDY
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Hatters are gathering to commemorate the life and legacy of Scottish poet Robert Burns during Medicine Hat Burns Club’s 16th annual celebration evening on Feb. 11.
“Robert Burns was the ploughman poet of Scotland, and was author of many well known poems like Auld Lang Syne,” Malcolm Sissons, Medicine Hat Burns Club piper and historian, told the News. “So, a typical Burns dinner involves people getting together and celebrating (him).”
Held in various countries across the globe, many Burns dinners follow a similar format, said Sissons, which usually includes a whisky tasting, bagpipe music, a ceremonial procession of haggis dinner, poetry readings and toasts (mixed with roasts).
Despite being a somewhat formal occasion, humour is a central element of most dinners, alongside tradition.
“For those who are very serious about Burns, it’s an occasion where you hear a lot of Burns poetry recited and (learn about) some aspects of his work and life,” said Sissons.
Now in its 16th year, the Medicine Hat Burns Club’s annual dinner has become a staple event for many southeast Albertans, selling out each year.
This year the event – open to adults only – is being held at Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, with cocktails beginning at 5:45 p.m. and dinner served at 7 p.m.
Individual tickets are available for $80, or eight-person tables can be reserved for $600 ($75 per person). Tickets can be purchased online at mhburnsclub.ca.
