SELKIRK—The Robbie Burns dinner on Saturday included a ceremony called “Addressing the Haggis” where brothers ‘wee’ Andy and ‘wee’ Willie Mitchell, sons of the founders of the event, spoke in Scottish brogue to honour the occasion. There was much laughter throughout the room as they depicted a rainy, cold scene “as feckless as a weather rash” and the eager anticipation of arriving home to devour the time honoured classic Scottish dish.
SELKIRK—Both the Lions and their jovial band of volunteers prepared a great feast of traditional haggis and meat pies. Loading up their plates are (l-r) Steve Cameron of Featherstone Point, Wray McLean of Dunnville, Tracy Crow of Kohler Road, Beverly McLean of Dunnville, and Rob Pavlovich of Winstone Galleries in Selkirk. They were all delighted to partake in the Scottish fare.
SELKIRK—Above, Rick Beaudet and Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley were delighted to attend the traditional dinner. Bentley says, “It’s another great way the people of Haldimand come together to support each other as a community.”
Wendy Alderson of Caledonia has been volunteering at the dinner for five years and told tales of a time when Scots had to hide or bury their tartans to avoid persecution.
SELKIRK—From left, Shane Goedvolk of Wainfleet said it was a great event; Paula Sherry of Wainfleet suggested that haggis is a Scottish pate, akin to Foie Gras with oats; Joyce and Tony Iannitelli of Selkirk were first timers at the event; Dennis Stafford gave the meal five stars; and Brenda Stafford of Selkirk was pleasantly surprised after trying haggis for the first time.
SELKIRK—From left: Gary and Denise Thorkildsen of Dunnville have attended three of these events but still haven’t tried the haggis; Dave and Carolyn Schweyer of Selkirk have come out for many years and said the food is always excellent; Pat and Lyle Hoover of Selkirk appreciate all the work the Lions do and praised the meat pies; Bari Librock of St. Catharines is a Robbie Burns event aficionado; and Jenny Bryce has been attending for 40 years.
—Haldimand Press photos by Kerstein Mallon.
