“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face/Great chieftain o’ the puddin’-race!” So begins the poem “Address to a Haggis” an homage to the traditional Scottish dish by Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Never has mere language bestowed such honor and dignity upon a food that traditionally consists of a sheep’s heart, liver and lungs combined with oatmeal, suet, spices and salt mixed with stock—then stuffed and boiled in the sheep’s stomach. Aye, laddie! The poem will be read as part of the Scottish Festival & Highland Games, which will also include heavy athletics such as the Weight Throw (pictured). Other rousing events will include five different bagpipe bands—guaranteed to get your Scottish up, and Celtic and Scottish music by Glengarry Bhoys, Hobson’s Choice, Penny Whiskey, Stone Row, Tom Callahan Trio and Cairde. Harpists Carol Farrar and Mary Lester will also add to the Celtic airs—and Nancy Lang will sing anthems. A variety of Scottish food will be available along with goods from Scottish vendors, while representatives from various clans will be available for those inclined to research their Scottish ancestry. There will also be cooking presentations, and displays by blacksmiths, weavers and Scottish dancers. Even the wee smallest in attendance are sure to enjoy the children’s games and sheep herding demonstrations where Scottish Terriers will race at breakneck speed to corral the wooly little keepers of the Haggis. No pets, please—service animals only.

Saturday, August 20 from 9am-5pm. Amherst Museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road

(689-1440). http://www.amherstmuseum.org/scottish.htm