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Pipe band hosting ‘Irish supper’

2 min read
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St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only celebration that encourages everyone to celebrate Irish heritage regardless of their ethnicity. The Macdonald Pipe Band is hosting its annual Robert Burns Supper Saturday at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon.

The 50-year-old bagpipe band is the longest-running group of pipers in the region, according to pipe sargent Betsy Bethel-Mcfarland.

“We know the storm will be going on, so this is a nice event to get out of the cold and warm up with a great dinner, hear traditional music and readings of Robert Burns’ poetry,” Bethel-Mcfarland said.

As for supper, the savory Scottish dish haggis will be served. Those who shy away from tradition can opt for sweet pies and other desserts and continental offerings, organizers said. But the two main events – piping and poetry – should be a draw regardless of taste, Bethel-Mcfarland said.

“There are over 30 members in the band. So it will be a show, with dancing and energy filling the room,” she said.

Patrick Regan, who manages the piper program at Edinboro Univeristy, will serve as MC and also read Burns’ poetry. Bethel-McFarland said Regan gives an impassioned recitation of the “Bard of Ayrshire’s” work, including – what else – a reading of the “Address to a Haggis.”

“It’s so authentic. He’s such an impassioned performer. But this will be an entertaining evening for everyone, whether you’re Scottish, Irish or neither. But, if you haven’t tried haggis, you need to try it at least once. It’s a taste of culture,” Bethel-Mcfarland said.

The fundraiser supper is used to buy uniforms and equipment for the pipe band, which performs in area parades and ceremonies. In addition to the pipers, the Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers will perform, and there will be Celtic goods for sale. Adult tickets are $36, children’s tickets are $25, and they can be purchased by calling 304-280-6212.

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