Scots in Dixon to Celebrate Robert Burns

A wee bit of Scotland is coming to the Dixon area – just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Dixon Scottish Cultural Association is hosting its annual Burns Supper Saturday night to honor one of the most beloved Scotsman – poet and lyricist Robert Burns.

“Robert Burns is the premier Scottish poet and probably the most revered person in Scottish history,” said Dixon Scottish Cultural Association Chief Phillip Venable. “He appealed not only to the rich and famous, but also to the common folks. His popularity was wide-ranging.

“His poetry reached the hearts of everyone in Scotland. When he was alive, he could attend functions at the highest level of government and society, yet still feel right at home with a farmer and his family.”

Each year, roughly 70 people attend the Dixon Burns Supper, which is a mix of the traditional and a few California touches--such as musical performances, dancing and even karaoke singing.

“We have a lot of fun,” Venable said. “We try to keep it not too stuffy. It’s more of an informal event.”

Scots all over the world have been holding Burns Suppers celebrating the poet’s January 25 birthday since a few years after he died in 1796.

In addition to merriment, toasts and the cutting of the haggis – a traditional Scottish dish of minced sheep’s heart, liver and lungs cooked in sheep’s stomach – the Burns Supper traditionally includes the “immortal memory” speech that provides a history of the poet and reading of his work.

The Dixon Burns Supper always includes toasts to the club’s leaders, as well as military service people.

“Robert Burns was fond of toasting the women, so we have the toast for lassies and for the laddies, just to give them equal time,” Venable said. “Traditionally, Burns Suppers were men-only affairs, but as times progressed, women are now included in the festivities.”

And if haggis doesn’t whet your appetite, the Dixon supper also includes tri-tip and chicken.

The event usually ends with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

It will be held at the Davis Masonic Lodge, 1655 DaVinci Ct., and starts at 5 p.m. with a happy hour, followed by dinner at 6:30.

Tickets are $40 for the general public and $35 for club members.

To purchase tickets, call the Dixon Scottish Cultural Association at (707) 678-8814 and leave a message.

For more information, go to www.scotsindixon.org.