• Robert Burns Supper

Join us for the 26th Annual Robert Burns Supper for an evening of cultural celebration! Scots around the globe gather each year to celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. The Celtic Arts Foundation marks this festive evening with a dinner honoring the great bard, complete with whisky, poetry readings, highland dance, and–of course–haggis! In January of 1991, our first formal Robert Burns dinner was held on the campus of Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA. The ensuing years have witnessed gatherings large and small – always featuring the wonderful music and dance of Scotland. With the construction of the Littlefield Celtic Center in 2015, we have been able to expand this celebration even further. Robert Burns is one of the best-loved poets of all time. A brilliant satirist who rebelled against the social order, Burns decried any religious thought that condoned inhumanity. He was born into a poor tenant farming family on January 25, 1759 in a cotter’s cottage in Alloway near Ayr, Scotland. Some of his best-known works include “Auld Lang Syne;” “My love is like a Red, Red Rose;” “Tam o’Shanter;” and “To a Mouse.” Much of his work was written in broad Scot’s dialect, which although endears him to Scots the world over, may also somewhat limit his audience. In his short life of some 37 years, Burns also collected and cataloged many folk songs from around Scotland. Every year, Scots and fans of Robert Burns gather in January for a traditional Scottish meal to celebrate the memory of one of Scotland’s great sons. Poems are read, toasts given, and lively music and dance add to the event. Seating is limited; we encourage those who plan on attending purchase their tickets early. Meals at the Littlefield Celtic Center have historically been sold-out events, so be sure to purchase your tickets early as to not miss out on the fun! Social hour begins at 5:30pm, with dinner and the program beginning at 6:30pm. To learn more about Robert Burns, Burns Suppers or poetry, here is a link to the Burns Country website, perhaps the most comprehensive site on Robert Burns: www.robertburns.org/ Traquair House Ale: We are pleased once again this year to feature Traquair House Ale at our Robert Burns Supper! Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, is located on the banks of the River Tweed and dates back to before 1107 AD, when Alexander I of Scotland signed a royal charter there. It was given to the Stuart family in 1491 and has remained in the same family since then. As did many estates of the era, Traquair operated a house brewery and when Mary Queen of Scots visited in 1566, Traquair was brewing a fine strong ale. Some time after 1800, brewing ceased at Traquair. The original brewery equipment remained on the estate, idle, until the 20th Laird of Traquair, Peter Maxwell Stuart, discovered the recipe and restored the brewery in 1965. The copper brewkettle at Traquair is over 200 years old, and beer is made in the traditional manner – even using oak fermenting vessels, which contribute to the deep, unique character of these beers. 2017 Discount: Take advantage of these savings before they run out! Tickets are only $55 if purchased by December 31st, 2017 at 11:55PM. After that, prices will go up to $60/ticket. Don’t delay, get your today! Tickets are available over the phone by calling 360-416-4934 or by visiting our website here: https://celticarts.org/celtic-events/burns-18/