Dave Ogilvie
The first “Rabbie Burns Dinner” ever held in Emo was deemed a success by the Emo and District Lions Club, which hosted the inaugural event on Saturday.
Thanks to the hard work of co-organizers Stewart and Debbie Firth, more than 100 people attended the evening celebration, which included an introduction of traditional Scottish culture, including a sampling of haggis, and a fine roast beef dinner prepared by Legion staff.
The evening began with the traditional piping in of the haggis by Dr. Bruce Lidkea of Fort Frances.
Following the piper were Gord McTaggart, who later addressed the haggis, along with haggis bearer Stewart Firth and the Whiskey Honours Bearer, Jim Martindale.
Haggis, for those who have not had the pleasure, is a dish containing various sheep organs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock and simmered, in modern times, in a casing for about three hours.
In his introduction, Firth outlined the program for the evening and also included an explanation of the use of the name “Rabbie,” which is the Scottish version of “Robbie.”
He then turned over the microphone to McTaggart, who gave a remarkable rendition of Burns’ well-known poem, “Ode to the Haggis.”
Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist who lived from 1759-1796. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and, as such, has become an icon around the world.
He also is regarded as a pioneer of the “Romantic Movement” and, after his death, became a great source of inspiration to many in the movement.
As a result, people of Scottish heritage, as well as admirers of the man and his poetry, hold this annual celebration to honour the man and his contribution to Scottish culture.
The traditional proceedings for the evening concluded with a “toast to the lassies,” which was given by Kent Ogden, a reply from the lassies, delivered by District Governor Val Martindale, and the “Immortal Memory,” which was offered in splendid fashion by Kaleb Firth.
The Immortal Memory, as one website stated, “celebrates Burns’ enduring spirit. It’s a fitting tribute for one who did so much to preserve and popularize Scotland’s rich historical, cultural, and literary heritage.”
Those on hand then enjoyed a fantastic roast beef buffet, which included (for those who wished it) a taste of the infamous haggis.
Much to the surprise of many, they actually enjoyed the treat, with one well-known merchant even asking to take some home.
Following the supper, everyone was treated to some more Scottish culture. The Highland Dancers from Fort Frances delighted the crowd with a couple of numbers, including the traditional sword dance and a number which incorporated the “Highland Fling.”
Stewart Firth and Val Martindale then led those assembled in the singing of some well-known Scottish songs.
Piper Bruce Lidkea then returned to give a brief explanation of how the pipes make such a “beautiful sound,” before finishing up with some familiar Scottish pipe tunes.
The evening was topped off by a dance, featuring well-known local group “Centre-Line,” entertained everyone with a blend of country and rock.
Many people stayed to enjoy the music and to take to the dance floor, with some sticking around to nearly midnight.
The Emo and District Lions would like to thank the co-ordinators for the evening, Stewart and Debbie Firth, Piper Bruce Lidkea, Gord McTaggart, Jim Martindale, Kaleb Firth, Kent Ogden, Val Martindale, the Highland Dancers, the Emo Legion, “Centre-Line,” and everyone who attended the first “Rabbie Burns Night” in Emo.
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A roast beef dinner and dance is being planned for Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Devlin Community Hall.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 at Cloverleaf, Tompkins Hardware, and the Hair and Body Care Shoppe in Emo.
Proceeds will be given to Tyler Romyn and his family to help defer the costs of his medical treatment in Winnipeg.
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The Friends of the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre is holding a raffle for a trip for two to Las Vegas.
Tickets are $2 each, which are available at the Emo and La Vallee municipal offices as well as from members of Emo-Devlin-Barwick Minor Hockey Association.
The draw will be made on Saturday, March 5.
