“We’ve been doing this practically since Robbie Burns died,” joked Lori Harasem, Galt Museum special events and volunteer coordinator who has been organizing the event for the past seven years.
The event, which begins at 7 p.m. (though doors open at 6 p.m.) features a group of young Scottish dancers called the Lethbridge Highland Dancers, , the Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club and 23 pounds of haggis including a three pound haggis which will be piped in by the Legion Pipe and Drums band. Plus there will be Scotch sampling with Kyle Baines of Andrew Hilton, toasts and singing from Sheena Lawson.
“It’s a chance to learn more about Robbie Burns’ music and poetry and to get to know a bit more about Scottish culture,” Harasem continued adding it is also a tribute to to Stewart Christie, a Scotland aficionado and a big part of previous Robbie Burns day celebrations, who passed away earlier this month.
“ There are a lot of people who will remember him. He used to sing and play accordion. he was unique, so we will be taking some time during the program to remember him. It’s how he would want to be remembered— during a Robbie Burns celebration,” she said., adding the Christie family crest has been created for a new display. Harasem hopes other families with Scottish backgrounds will research and create crests of their own families for the new display, which will be an addition to the Robbie Burns day celebrations
“You have 365 days to find your Scottish roots,” she continued adding she hopes the exhibit will grow each year.
She said the museum strove to keep the cost as low as possible for the event. Admission is three dollars per person or one dollar for Galt Museum pass holders. Admission for children under 6 is free. Admission includes entrance to the Galt’s dinosaur exhibit which is scheduled to close Jan. 31.
—by Richard Amery, L.A.Beat Editor
