Regular to the site, Frank Campbell, tells us how the St Andrews Society of Tampa Bay, Florida, celebrates Burns in the sun. Sounds like a breathtaking event.

Celebrating Burns ….Tampa Bay Style

Unlike a traditional Burns Supper, let me tell you of the way we, The St. Andrew's Society of Tampa Bay, Inc. Florida remember the Bard of Scotland.

The first Saturday in December each year, celebrations start with "The Feast of the Haggis". (This is held at this time each year as a duel purpose celebration of St. Andrew's day) In January, around the 25th we hold a "Burns Supper". The unique blending of these two functions is our Society's tribute to Robert Burns.

The Feast of Haggis

This is a most prestigious event held in the elite Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club in Tampa. On every table there is a bottle of 'Glenlivit', and there is an open bar for the entire evening. A nine piece orchestra is present for dancing and the assembly is graced with the sound of The St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums of Tampa Bay, who parade into the grand ballroom in all their glory. A sound and a spectacle to stir the blood of Scots and 'wannabees' alike. Dress for the evening is Black Tie and Highland Dress.

Last December (2001) was the 25th anniversary of the Society and every member and guest received a commemorative shot glass with 25th and the Society emblem on it.
The typical program for the Feast is:-

• Pipe Band enters with the bearers of the Society banners. Led by President a his Lady, The American Flag, The Saltire, and the Society Banner, followed by 30 or so Clan Banners.
• Welcome by the Society President.
• Selkirk Grace by the Society Chaplain.
• The Haggis presentation team, Piper, 2 Claymore Carriers, The Presenter (Haggis Toastmaster),The Dirk Carrier, The Chef with the Haggis, The Bearer of the 'Uisge Beatha' on silver tray, wend their way from the Kitchen through the assembly to the podium.
• The Haggis is addressed ( by the author of this) and toasts are given to each one of the Presentation Team, and of course The Haggis.

Dinner is then served:-

• Appetizer. The hamely Fare of Haggis, Neaps and Champit Tatties
• Salade Tartan (Webmasters Note:- WOW - Tartan Salad ! - Only in USA!)
• Entrée: Chateaubriand Bordelaise
• Dessert. Dessert Anniversaire.

During Dinner we are graced with the beautiful Scottish Music on the Harp.

Followed by the Toasts:-

1. To the Pious and Immortal Memory of St. Andrew.
2. To our new Scotia, America
3. To the Tartan
4. To the Bonnie Lassies
5. Reply: to the Braw ladies
6. To the Auld Hame frae whence we came

Annual Burns Supper.

Held on or close to Jan 25th.

• Harpist present for playing during the Cocktail Hour and Dinner.
• A Piper opens the evening with selections.
• The program for the evening differs each year.
• After the Immortal Memory it may be a selection of Songs,
  with readings of Burns Poetry
• Medley of Scottish tunes by a fiddler or the Burns portrayer (again the author of this) does his "Life and Loves of Robert Burns". Or a skit with the portrayer and a lass when Robert and Mary (Highland Mary) exchange Bibles and vows of love.
• Of course the evening always ends with the ensemble joining hands and singing "Auld Lang Syne"
  
  This is our unique tribute to Robert Burns.

Frank Campbell.
Member of Burns Federation
Chief Steward on Board of Directors, of St. Andrew's Society of Tampa Bay, Inc.
And Editor of the "Tatler"

Email: therewasalad@earthlink.net

Thanks Frank, Anyone else care to share their Burns celebrations?