As Scotland's national poet remains an inspiration to Scots worldwide, the Town of Stettler held its own celebration at the community hall on Saturday, Jan. 23, led by chairperson and head organizer Teresa Fisher and son Tom Fisher, the master of ceremonies.
"We have been organizing a Burns supper for approximately 20 years," said Tom Fisher, master of ceremonies. "Volunteers have changed from year to year but Teresa is the push to make this event happen."
Robert Burns birthday has been celebrated throughout the world for years since his passing in 1796.
"We follow a similar program to that of other Burn's suppers with some variances in entertainment and program content," added Fisher. "The 'haggis' is the centre of the program as it is a dish which inspired Robert Burns to pen Address to a Haggis, and became a staple meal for future generations."
The event started with piping at the head table, followed by the national anthem O' Canada, before the haggis was brought into the hall by haggis bearer Joseph Kelly, led by pipers Marion and Michael McLetchie.
The Selkirk Grace was said by Peter Notman: "Some hae meat and canna eat. And some wad eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be thankit."
Soon after dinner, Glen Cruikshank made a Toast to the Queen, Jim Ford did the Address to the Immortal Memory and Kevin Milner did a Toast to the Lassies, which was followed by the men in hall to sing 'I Love a Lassie'.
Birdie Ford did a 'Response to the Toast', and the entertainment was amped a notch with guests taking to the floor for some Highland dancing to Scottish tunes.
Roddy Bryce sang three songs, among which was the popular Auld Lang Syne, before the evening came to a close with all the guests taking to the dance floor in a circle for the last dance.
Teresa Fisher, being originally from Glasgow had been looking for a way to celebrate her Scottish heritage and what better way than a Burns supper.
"The first supper was very small and featured local dancers and local Scotsman performing parts of the program and reciting Burn's poetry and the Address to the Haggis, but over the years the program has grown and a entertainment has included very talented highland dancers, Scottish country dancers and the inclusion of Michael & Marion McCletchie, who are Robert Burns experts, pipers and very gifted entertainers," said chairperson and head organizer Teresa Fisher.
According to Tom, the menu has remained basically the same over the years with a typical roast beef buffet and the addition of authentic Scottish menu items from Burn's time.
"Neeps (turnips), Champit spuds (mashed potatoes) and of course haggis," said Tom Fisher. "Dessert to follow is typically baked rice, which is rice pudding and shortbread."
The idea of haggis has been controversial for a very long time.
"The haggis is always a hot topic of conversation coming up to and during the event," said Teresa. "Some patrons need to know that there will be authentic haggis served while other people need to be reassured that they will not be forced to eat any."
Haggis, like many other specialty food items, is loved by many and will not pass the lips of others due to the folklore of how it is made and what it may contain, said Tom.
"At this time the books are still out and we do not have an accurate amount to report, but for the past three years the Robert Burns supper has become a fundraiser and all profits from the event are donated to the Red Deer & Central Alberta Alzheimer's Society," continued Tom. "Due to fantastic support from volunteers and the local community, the Burns supper has been able to donate approximately $1,000-$1,500 annually to the Alzheimer Society."
There was approximately 90 people in attendance, which is down from previous years. The last two years the event was held at a smaller venue and was quite congested, but this year the supper was moved to the community hall and was much more comfortable for the guests.
"I began organizing a Robert Burns supper in an effort to keep the Scottish heritage alive in the community, and through this event I have met a lot of other Scots from the area and have made some very dear friends in the process," said Teresa. "I have been congratulated and thanked for supporting the Alzheimer Society with the proceeds from the event."
Teresa also added that supporting the Alzheimer Society is close to her heart.
"I have a family member that is suffering with dementia and there is very little funding available for research and treatment," said Teresa. "A special thank you to Roddy and Juliet Bryce for covering the rent of the community hall, which allowed us to enjoy the spacious venue, and also to Roddy for his incredible singing of the three Robert Burns songs."
The Fishers look forward to create more awareness in the community about Robert Burns.
"I have been involved in the suppers for over 10 years and it is always a great and supportive crowd, and I look forward to next year and filling up our larger venue," concluded Tom.