Thompsons hosted many friends in celebration of the great Scottish poet.
We always enjoy starting off the year with a Burns supper. It’s a Scottish tradition honoring the great poet who so loved the common man and the uncommon woman. This was our 15th year in the same location, even though it has changed ownership and cuisine.
In October 2000, The Cheshire Cat Brewpub brought the traditions of Britain to our home town of Arvada Colorado and the first Burns Supper was celebrated there the following January. When the British pub was sold to a Nepalese owner, the menu was changed to Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan food, but he wanted to keep the pub atmosphere and has allowed us our Scottish celebration uninterrupted ever since.
A Burns supper features piping, haggis, whisky, poetry, music and more. The tradition started when the poet’s friends gathered in their local pub on his birthday to remember their departed comrade. It has grown into a celebration that often features grand speeches, long-winded recitations, and formal dining, but our local version retains the informal camaraderie of those early gatherings.
Thompsons, of course, were well represented. Our Colorado Commission was the master of ceremonies, our piper brought in the haggis with the proper fanfare, and more than half the attendees were Thompsons, some of whom traveled from quite a distance.
Though we start off our year with Burns, our first official even will be Colorado Tartan Day in April. Keep an eye on your e-mail for more details as that approaches.
The Reivers Ride Again!