Don't let old acquaintance be forgot. The second annual Robbie Burns Dinner will be brought to mind only days from now, to celebrate the Scottish bard and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra at the same time.
The splendid event got off to a roaring launch last year, on Burns' birthday. It was, in its inaugural year, a hit with lads and lassies of all ages and cultures. This year is the second coming.
"The table is set and awaiting," said Teresa Saunders, general manager of the PGSO for whom this fun-formal event is a fundraiser.
"The Coast Inn of the North chef promises a delicious three course plated meal of pork tenderloin with pink peppercorn demi, truffle essence, accompanied by crisp vegetables and tatties (mashed potatoes) starting with baby mesclun greens with the Shogun's famous sesame ginger dressing and fresh rolls. A delicious trifle dessert and hand-made 'kilt' cookies round out the meal. Of course, the traditional haggis will be offered to all who enjoy it or would like to try it."
Robbie Burns Night is an occasion held in cities all across Canada and around the world, not just in Burns' native Scotland where he is a folk hero as much as a poet and songwriter. Several entertainment elements are built into each one, befitting the social soirees Burns himself would host in his day.
The evening's master of ceremonies will be Todd Corrigall, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, who will lead the audience through the Robbie Burns traditions of having the haggis piped in by piper Randy Carnegie, then addressed and speared by Bob Cochrane, followed by a brief address (toast) to the immortal memory of Robbie Burns and then the comedic toast to the lassies and the sassy reply to the laddies featuring Roy Stewart and Marie Louise Ahrens.
"The PGSO string duo of Jose Delgado-Guevara and Flora Camuzet will provide musical accompaniment as guests arrive and Shoshanna Godber will provide Celtic Harp background music during the dinner," said Saunders.
"Rounding out the entertainment will be a few Scottish dances featuring the Excalibur Highland Dancers and some lively and haunting Celtic tunes sung by Nove Voce. To end the evening, for those who'd like to trip the light fantastic, music will play well into the wee hours."
Up for auction are bottles of fine Scotch, donated by several prominent business people in the community, an opportunity to "become the maestro" (the winning bidder gets to conduct the PGSO in concert), the honour of holding the Ritual Robbie Burns plate for one year, a lovely piece of furniture in the shape of a cello full of fine wine, and many other desired services and items at the silent auction table.
The PGSO and their team of volunteers, supporters and sponsors have combined to present a unique evening of fun, food and entertainment. Come out to celebrate the "Scot in us all" as Saunders put it, "and help the PGSO at the same time."
Tickets are $90 per person, available through Central Interior Tickets. Buy online at
www.centralinteriortickets.com, charge-by-phone at 250-596-0020, or visit the ticket centre at 3540 Opie Cres.
You'll be plaid you did.
