The life and times of Scotland’s favourite poet will be celebrated at Robbie Burns Day at Guelph Civic Museum on Jan. 20 from 1 to 4:30pm.
Those who enjoy all things Scottish will be entertained with special talks, music, Highland dancing, spinning and weaving, calligraphy, traditional food (here is a chance to try haggis), and lots of family activities.
A full itinerary of special presentations continues all afternoon.
Starting at 1:15pm, the haggis will be piped in and Don Macrae will entertain with a presentation of Ode to a Haggis.
At 1:30pm, members of the award-winning Mary Ellen Cann School of Highland Dance will perform; at 2:15pm, there will be a lecture on St. Andrew’s Societies in Canada with Andrew Hinson, Scottish studies, University of Guelph; and at 2:45pm students from the Riverside Celtic College will entertain with Scottish music.
Ongoing will be demonstrations and displays organized by local groups who continue to keep alive the traditions of Scotland.
They include representatives from the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, the Guelph Guild of Handweavers and Spinners, The Royal City Calligraphy Guild, Riverside Celtic College and Scottish Studies from the University of Guelph.
Visitors will also enjoy sampling haggis and oatcakes and participating in hands-on activities planned for the day.
Burns’ love of Scotland, its language, and people, continues to endear him to Scots around the world.
Celebrating Scottish heritage would not be complete without the traditions that surround Robert Burns.
The museum is at 6 Dublin Street South. Museum hours: daily 1 to 5 p.m.
Admission for the Burns event is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, students and children, and $12 for families.
Museum members pay half price.
Contact the museum for more information at 836-1221 or guelph.ca/museum.
