Burns Night, an evening to recognize the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Historic Beale Manor in Parkesburg. The Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Foundation will host the event.

Burns was the national poet of Scotland, and wrote lyrics and songs in both Scots and English. He is best known for writing the words to "Auld Lang Syne," which has become associated with New Year's Eve.

Burns Night will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social time featuring piper Thompson McConnell and a welcome by the host. A traditional haggis ceremony will follow, ending with a toast of scotch.

Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, is a type of savory pudding that is made from sheep mixed with beef, oatmeal and seasonings. "They call it the pluck of the sheep; it's the heart, liver and lungs," explained Donna McCool, foundation treasurer. "Robert Burns wrote a poem (called) 'Address to a Haggis' and January is his birthday month so it became a big celebration this time of year. Some people will try (the haggis) because they are (at the event); some people enjoy it."

In addition to the haggis, the homemade supper will include smoked salmon; cock-a-leekie soup, which consist of leeks and peppered chicken broth; neeps and tatties, which is mashed potatoes and turnips; salad; shortbread; and trifle, a layered dessert. Harpist Kendrah Absher will perform during social time and during the supper.

After supper, guests will be invited to honor the life of Burns with speeches, readings and toasts. Local musician Charlie Zahm will present "A Tribute to Robert Burns." Guests will be invited to gather around the piano to sing Burns' songs, including the classic "Auld Lang Syne," which will conclude the evening.

Visitors are encouraged to get into the spirit of the evening by wearing their tartans, but it is not required.

The annual Burns Night is a fundraising event to help maintain and preserve historic Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Church. Located at 1188 Valley Road, Quarryville, the church was originally constructed in 1752 and is considered the oldest Covenanter church in America.

Although it is no longer used for regular services, the historic building is open for special events, including the foundation's annual Scottish Festival in September. More details about this year's festival are available at http://www.covenanterscottishfestival.com.

"A lot of people have Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. The church has Scottish roots (so) fundraisers are Scottish oriented like our festival each year," McCool noted.

She added that while Burns Night is targeted to the Scottish, it is open to people of all nationalities. "(Burns Night) a unique event in this area that can be fun for anyone," she said.

Historic Beale Manor is located at 200 S. Church St., Parkesburg. Burns Night is an adults-only event. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, Jan. 31.

For more information and a link to purchase tickets, visit http://www.facebook.com/CovenanterChurch and choose Events or visit http://www.evenbrite.com and search for "Burns Night at Historic Beale Manor 2022." Information is also available by contacting McCool at 610-593-6989.