The Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands has canceled its 31st Annual Robert Burns Supper, which was scheduled for this weekend at the Minden Civic Center, citing the forecast of significant winter weather.
In a statement shared on social media, the organization said the decision was made after careful consideration and out of concern for the safety of attendees, participants and those involved in hosting the event. The forecast called for severe winter weather beginning Friday evening and continuing into Saturday.
The cancellation marks the first time the annual event has been called off since it began in 1996. Organizers described the decision as unprecedented and said they were saddened to make the call, noting the supper is a tradition many look forward to each year.
The Robert Burns Supper is held annually near the January 25 birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and traditionally includes tributes to Burns, music, dancing, contests and the ceremonial piping in of the haggis.
The Society said all ticket purchases will be refunded due to the weather-related cancellation. Refunds are expected to be processed as soon as possible, though organizers noted it may take 10 to 15 days for refunds to be completed.
The Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands said it hopes to continue the tradition of honoring Burns and plans to hold the next Robert Burns Supper in January 2027.