Feast fetes 'amazing' poet Feast fetes 'amazing' poet (November 21, 2003)

Sister city group gears up for Scottish fun

The Pleasanton Blairgowrie Fergus Sister City Organization is making plans for its 10th annual Burns Supper on Jan. 31, and it's not too early to make reservations.

"The Supper is an international tradition commemorating the life and times of Robert Burns and takes place in communities wherever a group of Scots exist," said Barbara Kerr, head of publicity for this year's event.

Robert Burns is Scotland's national bard, recognized worldwide for his verses of Amazing Grace and Auld Lang Syne.

The evening will include many traditions, including toasts to the memory of Robert Burns, the president of the United States and Queen Elizabeth II. Popular Celtic entertainer Alex Beaton will perform, as well as the Piedmont Highlanders Pipe Band and Scottish dancers.

Dinner will include haggis, the famous Scottish dish of lamb liver and oatmeal, traditionally cooked in a lamb's stomach bag, that was immortalized by Burns in "Address to the Haggis."

The Sister City Organization was originally formed to promote understanding and friendship between Pleasanton residents and those from Blairgowrie, Scotland. Fergus, Ontario, Canada, came into the mix in 2001. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Scottish celebration Scottish celebration (November 21, 2003)

What: 10th annual Burns Supper Who: Pleasanton Blairgowrie Fergus Sister City Organization When: Saturday, Jan. 31; 5:30-7 p.m. no-host bar; 7 p.m. dinner Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 11950 Dublin Canyon Road Cost: Members (until Dec. 1), $55; non-members $60 Information: Alex or Isobel Wylie, 443-5108