Downtown Natchitoches played host to a tradition observed by Scots the world over for more than 200 years as the Natchitoches Society of Mislocated Scots and Assorted Celtic Friends gathered to celebrate Burns Night. The gatherings honor Robert Burns, Poet Laureate of Scotland, born on Jan. 25, 1759 by celebrating his life, literature and Scottish culture.
More than 35 people from Natchitoches and Alexandria gathered at this year’s dinner. Alexandria bagpiper Rudy Lenaerts played an impromptu bagpipe concert for the crowd outside. He later piped with Alan McMurty and Sandy McNeely as they presented the Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish and a centerpiece of every Burns night, by marching through the crowd carrying it while guarded by a sword wielding Truman Maynard. Society head Sandy McNeely started the festivities with a recital of “Address to a Haggis.” After dinner, there was a traditional series of toasts and a poetry reading by former Louisiana Poet Laureate, Dr. Julie Kane. The evening concluded with a silent auction of various items related to Scottish culture.
The explorers and early settlers of Natchitoches learned that the local natives ate paw-paws and chincapins as a major part of their diet. Would a few of these historic trees planted on the river bank and in our parks add to the “Historic District” authenticity?
See Facebook “TREES FOR NATCHITOCHES”
Those being planted in that story have absolutely no “historical “ significance. They are a dime a dozen and only good for a photo op and fake news.