The 2018 edition of “An Evening to Celebrate Robbie Burns” was a Scottish success as 120 people attended the Saturday, Feb. 3 event at Carlyle Memorial Hall.
The evening is organized by members of southeastern Saskatchewan's ABBA 15 Masonic Lodge and is a continuation of Alameda's Robbie Burns Night. The festivities honour the life of Scottish poet and lyricist, Robbie Burns (1759-1796), whose legacy is celebrated every year throughout the world on or near his January 25 birthday.
“It's a fantastic addition to Carlyle's annual calendar of events,” says Jenn Sedor, one of the local organizers. “It's the second year we've hosted 'An Evening to Celebrate Robbie Burns' in Carlyle and we're thrilled with the turnout and the support of everyone from communities from not only this corner of Saskatchewan, but parts of Manitoba, too.”
Robbie Burns celebrations follow a format which includes all things Scottish - including pipers, dancers, numerous toasts, a Scottish-themed menu, scotch tastings and the piping in of the iconic Scottish delicacy, haggis.
Along with samples of haggis (from a supplier in Brandon), attendees dined on a roast beef supper prepared by David and Shelley Slykhuis of Carlyle.
“We're serving tatties (potatoes) tonight,” explains Shelley with a smile. “And for dessert, we're serving shortbread iced with tartan patterns with strawberry trifle.”
A fully-stocked bar staffed by “Men in Kilts” was complemented by a table dedicated to scotch-tasting.
Mason Robert Anderson of Carnduff says: “We really try to make our scotch-tasting an adventure, with a variety of scotches from around the world.”
Fellow Mason - Carlyle's Tim Sedor - agrees, adding: “For five dollars, you can sample a scotch that might normally cost $150. We've got a great selection this year and it's a chance to try something new for a great price.”
Master of Ceremonies Rolland Bouchard of Carlyle presided over a Scottsh-themed program, which included The Selkirk Grace by Estevan's Troy LeBlanc, followed by the piping in of the haggis by David Kyle of Brandon and Regan Miller of Carlyle. Miller also gave the Address to the Haggis and the Toast to the Haggis.
As MC, Bouchard toasted Robbie Burns and emphasized that the evening was intended to celebrate the colourful life of the Scottish poet, rather than commemorate his death.
Carlyle's Crystal and Adam Bee gave the Toasts to the Lads and Lassies, followed by performances by Scottish dancer, Madison Zandee of Estevan's Drewitcz School of Dance, pipe performances by David Kyle and Regan Miller and a poetry reading by Troy LeBlanc.
The evening ended with music by the Katie Miller Band, as dancers took to the floor.
Tim Sedor summed up the evening this way: “We wanted everyone to come out and enjoy a good time that's steeped in Scottish history and tradition.”
“This year, we welcomed people from all over southeastern Saskatchewan - Carlyle, Manor, Kenosee Lake, Kisbey, Alida, Redvers, Estevan, Oxbow, Gainsborough, Carnduff, Oxbow, Moosomin, and as far away as Brandon,” adds Jenn Sedor..
“So for the second year, we've joined a global celebration right here in our corner of the prairies.”
