Robert Burns Supper: Happy 251st birthday, Robbie!

Since I can't describe it any better :), here's a description from the Eastern Oregon Celtic Society's website:

2010 Robbie Burns Supper
Each January, Scottish/Celtic organizations from around the world gather over multi-course meals and traditional entertainment to celebrate the birthday of Scotland's most famous and infamous poet, Robbie Burns. This year, join the EOCS Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 as we host Baker City's own celebration!

Our groups' annual Burns Supper will be held in the ballroom of the historic Baker Tower, with a social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. and dinner beginning at 7 p.m. The event will include a cash bar, silent auction and door prizes. Proceeds from the auction go toward the sponsorship of the next Eastern Oregon Celtic Festival and Highland Games scheduled for August 28, 2010.

An amazing five-course Scottish meal will be served, featuring a host of delicious dishes - and of course, haggis! Guests will be treated to Celtic music, Burns poetry and songs, bagpipe performances and more. Guests will also learn more about Burns' life in a short tribute performed by Alan Johnston. By popular demand, Don McClure returns this year to give the Toast to the Lasses, and Amy Dunkak, the reply. A true character actor, Rick Forrester will recite a very entertaining "Address to a Haggis." Gary Keenan will sing a traditional Scottish song and recite a poem in Gaelic. Dutch Fahrney and Bob Nelson will perform the hilarious "The Origins of the Kilt."

Formal or semi-formal attire is encouraged but not required. Guests at the Supper will once again participate in the Guinness Book of World Records-making, Worldwide Toast to Robbie Burns. (http://www.worldwidetoasttorobertburns.com/.)

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Here's some background on Robbie Burns. What a fun night! I learned a lot about Robbie! For instance, did you know that he wrote Auld Lang Syne? He also was a big supporter of George Washington and our fight for independence.

Dinner was fabulous and consisted of haggis, Scotch eggs, creamy potato leek soup, roastit beef, rumble thumps, highland bread rolls, and tipsy laird!

Center: Haggis, Right: Scottish eggs

Roastit beef, rumble thumps

I sat next to a nice couple, Anne and Roger. Anne was a pharmacist for over 20 years at OHSU (Physician's Pavillion...less than 1/2 mile from my house!) and now works part time at Pill Box with Dawn Schott. Small world! But I've found that it's not uncommon to discover that you have mutual friends with most people you meet here.

One of the most memorable and embarrassing parts of the evening for me was when I took a picture with all the men in kilts (there were a lot of them!). I had asked Leanne, who works at EOMA and is on the executive committee of the Eastern Oregon Celtic Society, if I could take a picture with one or two of the the guys in kilts. The kilts and tartans were so beautiful and authentic, and I, as usual, wanted to take a picture. Little did I know that Leanne would tell Marna, one of the main organizers, who then proceeded to make an announcement to all 100+ guests that "We have a young lady here who's visiting and would like to take a picture with some men in kilts to send home. So if all men in kilts could gather in the side room that would be much appreciated. Where are you, Stephanie?" I just about died, but I couldn't back down at that point! Red as a beet with embarrassment, I walked into the side room and stood on the side. Someone said, "No, you get in the middle." All these Scots were gathered round and about 10 people were taking photos! That moment confirmed that fact that I don't like (and am actually quite afraid) of being in the spotlight! Still, I had to laugh. I had no idea that Leanne would tell Marna, and Leanne later told me that she had no idea that Marna would make the announcement.

And then the emcee said, "Okay, now let's have some of the throwers pick her up." Hmm...I'm heavier than I look...but they didn't listen and up I went. We took a few photos with me in the air. Back on solid ground, I thanked them all and walked back to my seat, simultaneously desiring to crawl into a hole and hide, giving silent thanks to Marna for this crazy opportunity, and laughing at the silliness of the whole situation.

Talking about the origins of the kilt

The fun continued, and two of the gents did a skit on the origin of the kilt. In summary, "We had to do everything opposite of the English, who wear black trousers, short black socks, underpants, and have pockets. So we wear multi-colored skirts, tall white hockey socks, have our [....] hanging out, and carry furry purses." All of this was recited in authentic Scottish accents. We were all rolling on the floor with laughter! Needless to say, it was a fun and entertaining evening--definitely a night to remember!