Traditional haggis, swords, scotch, pipes and drums, dances and hundreds of smiles. Once again Robbie Burns night was a huge success for the Estevan Army Cadets.
Saturday night, over 200 people gathered to celebrate the birthday of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.
The opening ceremony was followed by roast beef supper, music by the children’s pipes and drums band No. 2901 Estevan Elks Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), which united with the adult Kilted Wind Pipe Band for the main part of the performance, and the Drewitz School of Dance show.
Celebrations dedicated to Burns’ birthday have been going in Estevan since 1978. These nights are popular in many places in Canada. Every year around Jan. 25, people come together to celebrate the poet and his work, as well as Scottish culture and traditions.
However, Canadian Robbie Burns nights are somewhat different from traditional Scottish celebrations.
“We don’t have roast beef, just haggis, turnips and mashed potatoes. The meal is totally different,” said Anne Hamilton, Robbie Burns night’s guest of Scottish descent. “Traditional Robbie Burns nights we don’t do a toast to the queen.”
Despite some differences in traditions, Estevan Robbie Burns nights attract a lot of attention and keep bringing the Estevan Scottish community as well as those involved with the Army Cadets and those interested in Scottish culture together.
Band coy officer captain Robert Rooks was satisfied with the turnout this year.
“We had a good crowd here tonight. I’m happy with the performances, with the band and the dances,” said Rooks.
Every year it takes a lot of effort to put this event together, yet the outcome is worth it.
“It is a whole mess of details. Everything has to be at a certain level. Every tune is a detail. Every drum is a detail. Every dance is a detail. These are details (waves towards the supper setup),” Rooks said.
You can find the full story on 2019 Robbie Burns night in Estevan in the next Estevan Mercury issue.
