Haggis, whisky, songs and stories to top menu at Live Bait's upcoming Burns Night

Sackville's Scots, Scottish descendants, and all who hold a warm place in their hearts for the traditions of Scotland will gather at Live Bait Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 23 to celebrate the memory of Robbie Burns with an evening of food and drink, music and revelry.

The event maintains a custom over 200 years old. In 1801, a group of the poet's friends first gathered to honour his life and work. Since then, Burns Night has become one of the most important festivals of the year for Scots around the world.

In Sackville, the custom was observed for many years at private house parties but last year the doors were opened to a wider public with a Burns Night program to raise funds for Live Bait Theatre. The success of that occasion convinced organizers to do it again.

This year's celebration comes in two parts. The main event is a traditional Burns supper, for which the doors open at 7:30 p.m. At 8 p.m., accompanied by the skirl of the pipes, the formal ceremonies begin with recitation of Burns' Address to a Haggis and the Selkirk Grace.

A sampling of haggis, 'neeps' and 'tatties' follows, with 'cranachan' for dessert. Toasts, both serious and humorous, follow and a lively program of Scottish music and dancing, songs and stories rounds out the evening.

Next to the poetry of Robert Burns, the most famous Scottish export may well be whisky. For those who appreciate the aroma and flavour of fine single malts, the evening begins an hour earlier, at 6:30 p.m. 'Spirits of Scotland' offers participants an opportunity to savour four premium malt whiskies, each with distinctive regional characteristics. Guided by Jon Parsons, a local malt connoisseur, the experience promises to be educational and uplifting.

Holders of supper tickets may add this exploration of fine spirits to their evening's entertainment for an additional fee.

As all seats are reserved, 'Spirits of Scotland' tickets will be sold only in combination with tickets for the Burns supper.

After expenses have been met, all proceeds raised from ticket sales will go to support Live Bait's special educational and community programs. A limited number of tickets are available. Reservations may be made for individual tickets or tables of eight by calling the Live Bait box office at (506) 536-2248 or through the website at: http://www.livebaittheatre.com/ourSeason_robbieBurns.html.