LAC LA BICHE - When guests are asked to rise from their seats as food is carried into a crowded room on a silver platter, all part of a procession lead by the the shrill call of bagpipes, you know it's an important meal.
But will you eat it?
The traditional Scottish meal of haggis — cooked meat boiled with wheat, suet, onions and spices inside a thin, skin-like casing — is finding a few more fans in the Lac La Biche area, thanks to the growing success of the annual Robbie Burns Night. Delayed a few weeks past the customary birthday party for the 18th Century Scottish folklore hero, a March 4 celebration in the Lac La Biche Legion made up for lost time.
The life of Burns, a statesman, poet and romanticized figure of Scottish folklore, is celebrated world-wide each year around his January 25, 1759 birthday. Meals of traditional haggis, a few drams of Scotch, bagpipe laments, and a walk back through the life of the Scotsman who is best known for authoring the New Year song "Auld Lang Syne" are all part of the party planning.
The Lac La Biche annual tribute that began a few years ago as a wee bit of fun to celebrate the life of the Scottish icon, has turned into a must-get ticket for local fans of Scottish tradition — and those wanting to try something new.
This year's recent event was the biggest yet, says organizer Molly Fyten.
"This was a completely full house. The turnout completely exceed our expectations and it was essentially standing room at the end. There were different groups and ages of people from all areas of the community. It was great," she said.
Carrying her own Scottish genes ... and a set of bagpipes, Fyten officially "piped-in" the traditional haggis meal for the Lac La Biche celebration.
While the ingredients and presentation may raise eyebrows, Fyten said more people are getting into the spirit of the celebration by digging into the delicacy.
"Each year, more and more people have an opportunity to try haggis which is great," she says, explaining the delicacy as something that needs to be tried. "To the surprise of most, they quite enjoy it. I always tell people it is kind of like meatloaf, just with a different texture."
The meal is a perfect fit to the local Robbie Burns Night, offering just enough Scottish tradition in a bite-sized form.
"It is an awesome opportunity to try it, as you can take a little or a lot. For those that have tried it already and like it, is a chance to get their annual dose as it isn't something you typically come across other than at a Robbie Burns dinner," she said. "It's really a celebration-type food."
Adding to the local celebration of Scottish culture were stories about the life of Burns, history about Scotland, Canadian and Scottish connections, toasts and lots of laughs. Again this year, Angus Campbell was a guest of honour, conducting the ceremonial "address to the haggis" as well as providing the history of Robbie Burns. Now living in Fort McMurray, Campbell is Fyten's bagpipe instructor. Born in Scotland, he still carries a thick accent that adds to the night's theme.
"As always, he flatters the crowd with his abundance of history, knowledge, and limitless jokes. After the ceremony, so many people came up to Angus to share a story or even a family connection with him. His thick, Sottish accent adds a nice touch to the ceremony too," said Fyten.
At the Legion
Tickets for the meal and licensed event were $40 with net proceeds going to the Lac La Biche Legion.
Fyten and the organizers are already looking forward to next year's party. Despite the need this year for additional tables to fit the growing number of guests, she says there aren't plans to move the party to a bigger location in the years to come.
"There is something to be said about events not becoming too big," said Fyten. "While this event is becoming more and more popular in our community each year as people become educated and aware of the tradition, I really do not have plans to explore a different venue."
The Legion is a good fit, she said.
"I think the legion is a gem in our community, and we need to support it so that it flourishes and stays alive," she said. "It is really nice to see the legion with a full house, so I do hope people continue to support the Burn's dinner each year, in addition to all of the other great events and regular activities the Legion is coordinating each week."
For those thinking a full year might be enough time to get the nerve to try some haggis, Fyten recommends getting tickets early.
"Next year, we will really have to put a firm deadline to purchase tickets in advance to make sure we have more comfortable and spacious seating," she said.
Burns died in 1796 at the age of 37. He had 12 children and is known as the National Poet of Scotland. Burns is also known for writing the well-known poem A Red, Red Rose and the the lyrics to Scots Wha Hae, used for many years as the official anthem of Scotland.
