Old Acquaintance Be NOT Forgot

Jan 31, 2024

This weekend, a well-dressed group gathered at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake to celebrate Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns Day. The event itself had been put on hold since the COVID shutdown and has now returned.

The day itself is January 25th, as Robbie was born that day in 1759 to a poor farming family and his memory continues to be celebrated around the world. In 2009, 250 years after he was born, he was “chosen as the greatest Scot in a vote by the Scottish public”. He was known for his poetry which was satirical and held politicians and religious figures to task. He was often described as “a character, high-spirited, ‘kirk-defying’, hard-drinking, and a womanizer”. He continued to publish poems in the Scottish dialect until he died in 1796.

His literary contributions include over 300 songs for the Scots Musical Museum, the famous long poem Tam O’Shanter and Auld Lang Syne. Many still to this day sing it every New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the old as they ring in the new. Burns died of rheumatic fever at the age of 37 on a roadside, due to an evening of drink, in the pouring rain. Ironically, his last child was born during his funeral.

The Burns supper has become a ritual for many and the evening continued with the traditions.

On this occasion, the Frontenac Masonic Lodge #621 and the North Frontenac Little Theatre got together to plan an evening of dining and entertainment. Their connection is deeply rooted in the community with over 45 years of storytelling with the Masons playing a key role in the cast and production crews.

The evening began with a welcome piece of chocolate and everyone received a small handmade lapel pin on a Scottish swath of cloth. Dan Kennedy (Lodge) and Art Halloway (NFLT) welcomed the more than 80 guests as they filled their cups for the evening entertainment. As with any Burns Supper, each feast begins with the inviting of the assembled guests to Welcome the Haggis, and we enjoyed the Haggis being piped in and then a lovely Address to the Haggis. Janet Gutowski, in her best period piece costume and Scottish accent, entertained us by retelling the Scottish tale, and we were lucky to have the interpreted story to follow along with.

Rows of tables were well adorned with Tobermory Scotch bottles each glowing with luminescent charm. Blue goblets sat in front of each guest, a gift to take home to celebrate Robbie’s legacy. After the Selkirk Grace offered by Brooks Gee ended, guests were served up hot Cock-a-Leekie soup. In between rounds, guests could mingle and share stories of their Scottish heritage or their connection to the gathering. Some wore their traditional kilts while others presented with their coat of arm swords (a conversation starter for sure!)

Up to the buffet we went, where guests could opt for either a pork tenderloin stuffed with feta and spinach or they could choose the baked chicken that was moist and delish! I was spoiled as my options were gluten-free, even down to the dessert, a rare treat for me to indulge with the rest! Mashed potatoes, green beans, and yes, even the haggis were served up with scotch eggs on the side. Buns and butter rounded out the plate, and beer, coffee, tea, or water washed it down. To Cota Catering ‘weel dain’.

The entertainment was good fun as the cast played out songs as skits throughout the evening. A toast to the Lassies and the festivities continued. After a brief intermission to stretch your legs and walk off the fabulous large-portion meal, there was music provided by Michael Gibson, To a Wee Mousie by Tim White, a Toast (some scotch involved here, perhaps) to The Immortal Memory by Bill Bowick, door prizes, and then the final singing of Auld Lang Syne.

What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday evening. The final tally of the event was not in at the time of this writing; however, proceeds will go to the NFLT and the local food bank. For those who did not attend, fingers crossed that you get a personal invitation for next year’s event!

Thank you to all the volunteers who made it an enjoyable evening of fun and food!