MOOSE JAW — The spirit of Scotland’s beloved bard will take centre stage at Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern as Moose Jaw raises a glass to Robbie Burns on his traditionally celebrated night starting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25.
The evening will include two sittings, with the first running from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m., and a second from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Children are welcome to stay in the building until 8 p.m.
The evening’s meal will include roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and, of course, haggis, which will be made on site for the second consecutive year.
The Moose Jaw-based band Desperate for Haggis will play from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by West of Mabou featuring fiddler Scott Benson who’ll perform live from 9 p.m. until closing.
“I think nowadays it’s mostly just a time for fun and fellowship,” said Michelle Carline, the band director for the White Heather Youth Pipe Band that will perform during the event.
“(Robbie Burns Night) helps brighten up a dark winter’s night and (offers) a step back to our Scottish roots, (all while we) celebrate Scotland and one of Scotland’s greatest poets.”
Burns’ legacy has been celebrated in Scotland since his death in 1796. Ever since, Scots the world over have retained that tradition. In Moose Jaw, the tradition goes back to the early 1900s with the first known celebration taking place in the year 1908.
Robbie Burns was a cultural icon whose work captured the spirit of social change during 18th century Europe. Known for his wit, satire, and advocacy, Burns gained a wide following as he travelled across Scotland and used his poetry to critique the aristocracy, champion human rights, and support the abolition of slavery.
His famous poem “A Man’s A Man for A’ That” celebrates the universal brotherhood of mankind and, although his life was short-lived, his memory is honoured around the world each January as thousands honour his enduring influence on Scottish culture and global social ideals.
“So, with a Robbie Burns Night, there’s always the piping in of the haggis, and then there’s an address to the haggis which almost no one understands because it’s (in a) really old language and is very Scottish,” Carline said.
Her husband, Andrew Gallagher, is usually the one to address the haggis but he’ll be replaced this year by fellow pipe-band instructor Angus McIntosh as he’ll be out of town.
Wayne Mitchell, commonly known as “the cowboy poet,” will deliver the toast to the lassies with Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Megan Patterson giving the reply. Patterson’s role was a natural choice as she has two sons in the White Heather band and is no stranger to public speaking.
Lastly, Don Mitchell — who plays in Desperate for Haggis — will deliver a toast to the bard.
In an aside, if you’re interested in learning to play the bagpipes, the White Heather Youth Pipe Band is looking to grow its ranks. Practices are held on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Pathways School located at 109 Ominica Street West and you can apply by stopping by during any practice night or by speaking with Carline on Jan. 25.
Tickets for the Robbie Burns Night are selling for $35 apiece and can be purchased by calling Bobby’s Place at 306-692-3058 or by stopping by in person. The event will be first come, first served — unless you call ahead to reserve a table with at least four guests.
Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern is located at 63 High Street East. For current updates visit ‘Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern’ on Facebook.
