The big day, Jan. 25, approaches fast, which among other things means that our own Heather Endicott finds herself just about as busy as can be.
Each year, we join with a great many folks worldwide to celebrate Burns Night with a traditional Burns Supper, an event that pays homage to Scotland’s poet laureate and author of its most beloved poems, Robert Burns. The evening features a meal of haggis – a savoury pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach – in addition to the imbibing of Scotch whiskeys and reading of Burns’ poetry. The haggis is led into the celebration by a bagpiper and by Endicott, who marvels at the strangeness of the procession each year, in addition to just how much she personally has to do to make the event a success.
“It started off as a cool tradition that I wanted to do with friends and family, but once we started doing it here, it became one of the busiest few days that I have each year,” she said. “I have to get everything ready for haggis, take table reservations, get music ready, and there’s never enough time to do it in.”
Somehow, Endicott and crew will find the time, and at 6 pm on Wednesday, we’ll pipe in the haggis once again. And as with every year we’ve hosted Burns Night so far, there’ll be an appreciative crowd on hand to partake in the celebration. We’ve just sold out of reservations for indoor seating, but in contrast to last year, when Covid restrictions still mandated that we reserve all seating, some outdoor seating in our heated tents this year will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We expect quite a crowd, which Endicott said showcases the popularity of an event that connects people to their cultural roots.
“People want to be part of it year after year, so it’s an honor and privilege to get to do it,” she said. “There’s a part of it that harkens back to the Old World, its songs and food, what a lot of people think of as their historical roots. Burns Night is so inclusive. We will get folks from every walk of life who are excited about it.”
Will you be among the crowd celebrating with us on Wednesday? Call us at (541) 942-8770 to get on the waiting list or if you have any questions about this great event! The procession starts promptly at 6, so show up early and be ready to honor the bard.
