- November 2, 2024
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Lakewood Ranch's Martha Gaffney looked carefully at the board filled with images of the Scottish coat of arms.
She loves the St. Andrew Society of Sarasota's annual Burns Supper because it connects her with her Scottish roots.
"It's the one time we don't come to an event for the food," Gaffney said. "Although the Scotch eggs are really good."
Gaffney, along with 141 others, gathered at Palm Aire Country Club Jan. 21 to celebrate the 264th birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
"I love the history and the poetry of Robert Burns," Gaffney said. "I love the singing, dancing and camaraderie. We get to connect to our roots that go back centuries. You meet people from all over the world, and we already have something in common."
This year's Burns Supper had the largest attendance in the St. Andrew Society of Sarasota's history. Previously, the largest attendance was 132 people in 2015.
Greenfield Plantation's Mike Wilcox said the Burns Supper is a joyous and wonderful event where he and his wife, Jody Wilcox, can connect with old friends while celebrating their Scottish heritage.
"My favorite part is the whisky," Mike Wilcox said with a laugh and a glass of Scotch in hand.