A Millarville organization is putting on a birthday celebration with odd dishes, boisterous dancing and men in kilts.

The Millarville Racing and Ag Society is bringing a Scottish tradition to the Millarville Racetrack Hall with its second annual Robbie Burns Dinner on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

“It was well received last year and we wanted to continue the tradition,” said events manager Krystal Meade. “We had a lot of people show up in kilts and traditional Scottish attire. They really get into it. People are really proud of their heritage.”

The evening will feature traditional scotch toasting, an address to the haggis, a three-course meal and entertainment by highland dancers, bag pipers, Scottish country dancers and a fiddler, said Meade.

Scotch, beer and wine will also be in abundance, she said.

The traditional Scottish supper includes lamb soup, roast beef, haggis, coleslaw, neeps and tatties (rutabaga and potatoes) and short bread and trifle for dessert.

The idea of haggis may have some people cringing, but sheep stomach stuffed with sheep liver, heart, tongue, fat and oats is a Scottish delicacy, said Meade.

“By western standards most people are a little afraid of it,” she said. “It’s one of those things that grows on you. Guests have the opportunity to try it or they can avoid it if they like.”

Last year’s dinner attracted 100 people to the birthday celebration of Robbie Burns, who was born on Jan. 25, 1759. The Scottish poet and lyricist is regarded as Scotland’s favourite son and is celebrated worldwide.

“Last year when we decided to do this we weren’t sure how well it was going to be received,” she said. “The Scottish people really embraced it. It’s their big celebration.”

Finding enough Scots or anyone eager to partake in the Scottish celebration is not difficult, said Meade.

“There is quite a few Scots out here,” she said. “It’s a fun way to do something in the winter and get our community involved.”

Even those who aren’t Scottish enjoy the celebration, said Meade, who is Irish.

“I’m not one of those Irish people who think Irish rule the world,” she said. “It was a fun evening to get out at the end of January to have a fun night.”

For more information and to purchase tickets call 403-931-3411. Tickets cost $60 each or $100 for a couple and must be purchased before noon on Jan. 21.

Okotoks celebrates Burns

The Okotoks Rotary Pub Club is hosting its inaugural Robbie Burns dinner on Jan. 26 at the Okotoks Elks Hall.

The event will benefit the new playground being built at Westmount School in Okotoks.

In Okotoks, the evening will include a traditional Scottish meal, Scotch tasting, Highland and Scottish country dancing, silent and live auctions, and a dance featuring renowned Celtic band Fraid Knot.

Tickets are available at the Okotoks Western Wheel or by calling 403-837-0543.

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