“An Evening to Celebrate Robbie Burns” returns to Carlyle Saturday, Feb. 3, and organizer Tim Sedor says the event is steeped in history, sociability and all things Scottish.
This year's Robbie Burns Night festivities will be the second Scottish-themed celebration in Carlyle. The event is a continuation of Alameda's Robbie Burns Night. Organized by members of southeastern Saskatchewan's ABBA 15 Masonic Lodge, the evening commemorates the life of Scottish poet and lyricist Robbie Burns (1759-1796), whose legacy is celebrated annually throughout the world on or near his January 25 birthday.
Robbie Burns Night celebrations follow a format which includes pipers, dancers, toasts to lads and lassies and the piping in of the iconic Scottish dish, haggis.
“It's an event steeped in history,” says Tim, a member of the ABBA 15 Masonic Lodge and one of the evening's organizers. “It's good fun, there's a lot of cultural and local history, great entertainment and of course, there's a chance to try haggis and to enjoy a scotch-tasting.”
Tim stresses that although haggis-eating and scotch-tasting are important elements of he Scottish-themed celebration, they are strictly optional activities.
“They're a big part of our Robbie Burns Night, but we're serving a roast beef supper with all the trimmings that's prepared by (Carlyle's) David and Shelley Slykhuis, so the haggis isn't the main course,” he says.
“It will be an excellent supper,” says Tim. “And we get some pretty good bottles of scotch for the tasting. You can pay $5 to taste a scotch that costs $150, so it's a chance to try something new for a pretty good price.”
“There will also be a cash bar, but there's a lot more going on than just eating and drinking,” he adds. “There are presentations honouring Robbie Burns, some great music by The Katie Miller Band and later, we'll open it up for a dance.”
“All ages are welcome and I'd say the atmosphere is similar to a wedding.”
Fellow organizer Jenn Sedor agrees, adding: “It's a family event. However, there won't be activities just for kids. There will be a cash bar and many toasts, so I'd keep that - and your child's comfort level - in mind if you're thinking of bringing them.”
Tim says that although many men wear kilts, “No one will kick you out if you wear a T-shirt and jeans.”
“We're often asked about dress codes,” says Jenn. “The organizers will dress up and if people want to dress up, we encourage them to do so. And if a guy owns a kilt, it's his night to put it on. But really, the intent is to celebrate Robbie Burns, to have fun and to welcome the next generation to the celebration.”
The Sedors were recently part of that “next generation.” Attending Alameda's Robbie Burns Night inspired them and their friends, Natalie Miller and piper Regan Miller to bring the event to Carlyle for the first time last year.
“The first time I ever went to a Robbie Burns Night was in Alameda,” says Jenn. “My husband Tim and I were the youngest people in the room, along with our friends, Natalie and Regan Miller. We had a great time. And eventually, the event was moved to Carlyle because we needed a bigger venue.”
“It's the second year for Robbie Burns Night here in Carlyle,” says Tim. “People from the area come out to celebrate Robbie Burns year after year. Last year was a success, so I'd encourage people to get their tickets early.”
Both of the Sedors say anyone who is interested is welcome to attend, whether or not they have Scottish roots.
“I laugh about the idea that Robbie Burns Night is reserved for people of Scottish origin,” says Jenn. “Because when I was getting ready to attend my first Robbie Burns Night in Alameda, I went looking for my tartan, because I thought my background was Scottish.”
“There was no tartan,” she says. “Because my heritage is actually English, not Scottish. But the whole point of Robbie Burns is that everyone who wants to can take part in an event that celebrates the heritage of a a lot of people from this area who do have Scottish roots.”
“So many Saskatchewan towns are named after poets,” explains Jenn. “Carlyle is named in honour of the Scottish poet Thomas Carlyle. So it's celebrating Scottish heritage and history on a few levels.”
“We'd like to invite everyone to come out and enjoy a good time that's steeped in Scottish history and tradition,” says Tim.
“Tickets typically go quickly and a lot of people from communities throughout our local area attend every year and buy full tables,” says Jenn.
“But whether you come on your own or as part of a group, you'll be joining a worldwide celebration right here in our corner of Saskatchewan.”
Tickets for “An Evening to Celebrate Robbie Burns” are $30 and can be purchased at Fengche Flowers in Carlyle.
