Contrary to tradition in Cleveland, it was NOT a cold and snowy night for the Annual Robert Burns Dinner on Saturday, January 19. The huge turn-out for the night of fun, frolic and toasting to the bard of Scottish poetry attested to not only the mild weather and excellent planning by the Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio, but to the loyal Scots and their friends who celebrated the 254th anniversary of Burns' birth. 
The American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake was the place to be for SHANO's yearly event not only to celebrate the bard, but to fund other Scottish Heritage endeavors around the NE Ohio area. Remarks by Chief Scott Duncan preceeded the entrance of The Haggis, piped in with solemnity. 
George F. Anderson then recited a stirring tribute of Burns' "To A Haggis". Music was provided by Plaid Sabbath, entertaining dancing by the Heather Belles, and stirring pipe music by the Black Sheep Pipes and Drums, the Cleveland Kiltie Band, and the 87th Cleveland Pipe Band. 
After a satisfying meal (with Haggis as a sidedish at each table) the remarks and presentations over, the dancing commenced, with both experienced dancers and new dancing recruits on the dance floor.
The Gay Gordon, Canadian Barn Dance, Scottish Waltz, St. Bernard's Waltz, Strip the Willow, and Swashbuckling Ian were some of the traditional dances enjoyed by both dancers and the onlookers. Thrown in for good measure were the Electric Slide, the Cha-Cha, and some rock n' roll.
A stirring performance by each of the three pipe bands ended in a finale of....what else? A solo of "Amazing Grace" and a joining in by the massed bands. Skirling and twirling, kilts and sashes, toasts and tastings, new steps and new friends--all in an evening's short time. What fun! 
(Copy and photos by Amy Kenneley)
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