Robert Burns Celebration Begins

Tools

By MacLeod Hageman

Story Published: Jan 28, 2012 at 7:02 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 28, 2012 at 7:02 PM MDT

MILES CITY - Doors open at the Miles City Centra for one of the biggest flings in the world. It's a celebration of Robert Burns' life.

January 28th is Robert Burns' 253rd birthday. You may know him as the writer of Auld Lang Syne, but the folks of Scottish heritage in Miles City honor him as a cultural icon. "It's a very spirited event, and for us we reminisce a lot about the people we've had here in the past," said Caledonian member Duncan Bartholomew.

Bartholomew's family has been celebrating Robert Burns Night in Miles City since its founding in 1908. "It's growing bigger and bigger every year, for the first time in a couple of years now," said Bartholomew.

Nearly 850 tickets were sold for Saturday's celebration. Festivities include Scottish bagpiping, dancing, and appreciating delicacies like haggis. At 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Miles City Centra will become a parade a plaid. And, why?

During the annual Robert Burns celebration, it's tradition for Scottish men and women to proudly present their family tartan in a snappy kilt or coat. "It's been a lovely tradition and one that's going to go on for years, I'm sure," Bartholomew said.

Caledonian board member, bagpiper, and dance instructor, Sonja Woods, said she loves to see the tradition carry on. "I also love watching children be able to learn something and be able to accomplish it, and having it be a part of their life even when they grow up and have children to have their children learn. I think that's the best part, is the continuance," Sonja Woods said.

The Miles City Robert Burns Night is one of the biggest Burns' celebrations in the world. Dancing begins at 6:00, and festivities go until 2:00 Sunday morning. Tickets are sold out, but will go on sale for 2013 at a later date.

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Dodie Paxson said on Monday, Jan 30 at 12:27 AM

This report was viewed by many and appreciated by all. My parents were born and raised in Scotland and we never missed a Burns Celebration growing up. Many memories were made there and this report was very well done! Good job MacLeod Hageman!

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