ANTIGONISH, N.S. — ANTIGONISH - The Antigonish Highland Society (AHS) will mark a special birthday this weekend.
The community organization, which celebrates and serves "past, present and future generations of Gaels," will host Robbie Burns' night Saturday, Jan. 25 at Royal Canadian Legion Arras Branch 59 in the East Coast Enterprise Centre on St. Ninian Street.
"It is one of our great traditions," AHS secretary Carol Anne MacKenzie said.
She agreed there is a jam-packed lineup for the event in honour of the legendary national poet of Scotland, which is one of the signature celebrations for the organization.
Ed Carty will provide a brief history of Burns, including the recitation of some of his work.
And, of course, there will be the traditional haggis ceremony, led by a piper, AHS marshal Donald MacDougall and chief of the clans Robert Cochrane, while Peter MacKenzie will provide the Address (Ode) to the Haggis, one of Burns' most famous pieces.
Abbi MacDonald and Natalie DeCoste will provide tunes while the delicacy is served.
MacKenzie and Duncan MacDonald will combine their talents in delivering the Toast to the Lads and Lassies.
Lewis MacKinnon, the poet laureate of Scotland who grew up on Dunmore Road in Antigonish County, will offer some of his work, along with a couple stories and even a song or two.
"He is an incredible storyteller and Gaelic speaker," MacKenzie said.
There will also be someone taking center stage to toast Burns.
And, if all this isn't enough, there will be plenty more music and storytelling throughout the evening.
"There may even be some familiar faces from Keppoch Kitchen Party," MacKenzie said, teasing that possiblity from the popular series created by Duncan MacDonald.
Robbie Burns Night is one of many events AHS stages each year. Along with its crown jewel - the Antigonish Highland Games - the organization hosts Tartan Day, Nova Scotia Gaelic Bards' commemoration, Battle of Culloden ceremony and Gaelic Awareness Month activities, which take place in May.
There is also the New Year's Day Levee it hosts in partnership with the Antigonish Heritage Museum.
MacKenzie noted AHS has other projects in the works, including the creation of a storytelling series at The People's Place Library.
She said each celebration is aimed at carrying out its mission, including providing and advocating for "authentic living experiences of Highland Scottish heritage." And its vision "to create a living and vibrant Scottish culture in Antigonish and be the conduit for the North American Gael to their heritage."
"Like every culture, it is incumbent on us to tell our stories," MacKenzie said.
She added the AHS is also "dedicated to our contemporary bards who are preserving the culture through poetry, songs and stories."
That is certainly reflected during each Robbie Burns Night.
Hosting such celebrations also assist the society with its continuing focus on "raising our profile."
"And, we are always looking for people with great ideas," MacKenzie said.
When it comes to AHS membership - and there is always room for more - she pointed out its diversity, with people of all ages and backgrounds contributing to its efforts.
"We are so, so fortunate to have such vibrant youth in our community," MacKenzie noted.
She added that is crucial to the society's future.
"They will carry the torch," MacKenzie said.
There is no cost to become an AHS member.
For tickets to Robbie Burns Night, contact any AHS member or the society office (20 East Main Street) at [email protected] or 902-863-4275.
Although there may be tickets available at the door, MacKenzie cautioned they are limited, so people should purchase them in advance.
