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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
When it comes to Yellowknife celebrations, it's hard to top the annual Robbie Burns Night, a celebration of the legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns.

NWT Pipe Band president Brad Heath, left, and pipe sergeant Floyd Adlem lead the pipers at the beginning of the Robert Burns Dinner and Dance's entertainment Saturday night at the Elk's Club. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL photo

In spite of a few hiccups at the beginning – the meal was delayed by a problem with the kitchen – the celebration, in its 37th year, was sold out with 210 guests.

"It sold out, so we're really pleased with that. Especially given the cold weather, we were wondering what was going to happen," said Brad Heath, president of the NWT Pipe Band and one of the event's lead coordinators.

"I did have a few people calling after we had sold out and had to turn them away," said Heath.

As per usual the menu was comprised of traditional Scottish fare such as tatties and neeps (mashed potatoes and turnip), shortbread, roast beef and of course the famous haggis.

After the dinner, guests were privy to the entertainment of the pipe band, Highland dancing, traditional Scottish country dancing, a performance by the Yellowknife Choral Society and a dance to tunes pun by a disc jockey.

"It's a night to celebrate not just Robbie Burns but also Scottish traditions, and in the dead of winter it's nice to have something where people can come out and have fun," said Heath.

Denise Bowen isn't Scottish but is a regular at the event and said it is something fun to do when it's often the coldest time of the year.

"It's always a really good party and everybody has a lot of fun," said Bowen. "Every time I come I have a really good time. They have great food, it's a chance to listen to good music, there's good entertainment. The pipe band here is really good," said Bowen. "It's a real community event and it's fun for people of all ages."

Canadian Forces Capt. Conrad Schubert was the MC for the night's events. He recited pieces of poetry by Burns and said a few words before the haggis was cut.

"Robbie Burns did all the hard work. I just had to memorize it," said Schubert, laughing.

One table was full of people who had come to Yellowknife all the way from Taiwan. They were in town to see the northern lights and experience Northern culture, but couldn't resist the chance to be at Saturday's party.

"We had a very good time. The food was good. Very traditional," said Alva Wu. "We have heard the bag pipes before, but not like this."

The dinner and dance is the NWT Pipe Band's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Around the world similar celebrations are held in celebration of Robert Burns' birthday on Jan. 25. He's known as a poet, lyricist and Scotland's favourite son. When he died at 37 years of age in 1796, more than 10,000 people attended his funeral.

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