Robert Burns - Scots National Bard
Celebrated at Hotel Colorado's Annual Supper and Ball
January 26, 2008

Glenwood Springs, CO – October, 2007 — Providence brings its long-standing tradition and reputation for excellence in professional management to the ongoing oversight of hotel operations.  For more information about Hotel Colorado and its diverse selection of recreational and relaxing activities, call 1-800-544-3998 or 970-945-6511, visit the hotel’s web site or contact Larry MacDonald, General Manager at 800-544-3998, ext 112 or Pamela Hoffer, Director of Sales & Marketing at 303/952-0824.Proudly bringing the Highlands to Glenwood Springs, the Hotel Colorado salutes Scotland by honoring its greatest poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) with its sixth annual celebratory tribute to the life, works, and spirit of the great Scottish poet. This year’s Robert Burns Supper and Ball will be held on January 26, 2008, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Hotel’s Devereux Grand Ball Room.

Hotel Colorado’s ambitious program will showcase the traditional Scottish culture that is defined in Burn’s work. 

Celtic sounds, songs, and dance will abound. In addition to the much anticipated dinner itself, those in attendance will thrill to the music of Fifth Reel, recitation of the works of Robert Burns, a mass march and dance.

The Dinner

For over 200 years, Burns enthusiasts have been celebrating his life and work in his native land and abroad. The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the host invites the guests to receive the haggis.  When Burns immortalized haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day.

The Hotel Colorado’s take on the traditional celebration is one very familiar to fans of Scottish traditions. Guests will be treated to an exquisite four course meal and dessert that highlights Scottish fare. For the first course, patrons will enjoy Cock-a-Leekie soup, followed by the second course, Scottish smoked salmon Branden roast. And could ye call it a Scottish meal without the third course: haggis with “neeps and tatties?” We think not. Last, steak and ale pudding will be served for the fourth course, and close with a Cranachan (whiskey, berries, toasted oats and thick cream) for dessert.

Dinners are $29.00 per person, or inquire about our overnight room packages starting at $99.00 / Suites starting at $109.00 – Come a Day Early or Stay a Day late, Rates apply over the weekend

The Evening Itinerary

• 6:00 PM: doors open,  cocktails available / seating
• 7:00 PM: Welcome
  History of the Bard
  Grace
• Blessing of the Meal and Tartan
• Formal Dinner Served
• Address of the Haggis (from Burns’ own work)
• Burns Readings and Toast to Robert Burns
• Auld Lang Syne
• Mass March
• Entertainment Featuring Fifth Reel

Burns – the Man

Robert Burns was born in 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, the eldest of seven children. Receiving little formal education, Burns did read a great deal. He penned his first poem, “O Once I Loved," in 1774, and with legendary Scottish tenacity, kept at it for years to come.

His first book, the Kilmarnock Edition, was printed in 1786, mainly as a means for Robert to finance a trip to Jamaica to make his fortune. The book was so well received that Burns opted not to move, remaining in Scotland for the rest of his days.

Best known for his collections of Scottish songs, he put his own poems to music he composed, or to traditional Scottish airs—most notably, Auld Lang Syne. Financially secure by1790, he began his signature poem: the Tam O'Shanter. But just two years later, his health, which had never been great, began to decline. He finally died on 21 July 1796 at Dumfries.

After 200 years, Burns’ legacy endures with the celebration of his life and works traditionally held on or around his birthdate: January 25.

About the Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, just off I-70, and a short drive from some of Colorado’s favorite destinations: Aspen (45 miles), Vail (65 miles), and Grand Junction (90 miles). The hotel has been a western landmark and destination for over 100 years, and recently underwent a multi-million dollar makeover of guestrooms, public areas and hallways, ballrooms, and the West Tower Bell Suite (dedicated as the Molly Brown Suite in 2003). Providence Hospitality Partners, LLC (Denver, Colo.) has managed the Hotel Colorado for several years and was instrumental in planning and completing the recently completed showcase restoration projects.