Here we go again! After glasses were raised all over the globe to the 'Immortal Memory of Robert Burns' last year, on the 250th anniversary of his birth, we just felt it right to make this an annual event. So emails and newsletters are being sent in their thousands asking fans of Burns and Scotland to register their Toasts again this year. It would be fantastic to beat last year's total of 27602.

All the best from Falkirk, Scotland

Steve, Julie & Holly Dog
 

This year was Robert Burns 250th Anniversary. It was our 5th. That is our 5th time hosting Burns Night in our home. We had a festive time as usual but this did feel a bit more special. We take pride in enccompassing all the traditional elements of the night with a bit of western relaxed atmosphere thrown in. We ask all those attending who wish to, to add something to the evening. The result being not only Robert Burns but poetry and stories by and about people in the room: Original songs mixed with Sweet Afton and Ae Fond Kiss. This year tended to be more traditonal except for Mae West (aka Chip Wells) giving the Toast to the Laddies. What can you expect when you get a bunch of actors, writers, musicains and school teachers together. My son Brendan gave the traditional "Address to the Haggis" after it was presented by future son-in-law Paul Hamilton and piped in by Will Lamont. "To a Louse" was read by Leslie Stoupas and Ryan Fleming (a descendent of Burns) read "To a Mouse".  The Immortal Memory was given by yours truely this year while Mike and Chip Wells toasted the Lassies and Laddies respectively. Collage, a group consisting of myself, wife Karen, Pam and Eames Peterson Sang several song including Ye Jacobites, Rattlin' Roarin' Willy, and Sweet Afton and accompanied Kristen Carlson on Ae Fond Kiss. We also led Sing Alongs on Willy brewed a Peck of Malt and A Man's a Man. Jeff Carlson, Luthern minister and accomplished actor, Gave us an inspired rendition of Tam O' Shanter accompanied by sound effect from the assembly. After Auld Ange Syne everyone lingered not want the feeling to end. It was trueIy a special night. I am already looking forward to the 251st Anniversay.

Dawson City celebrates the joint birthdays of Robbie Burns and Robert Service in January. This year was special because of the 250 anniversary of Robbie Burns. Temperatures outside were -35˚C but inside the climate was warm and jovial as good food, fellowship and fun were shared.