BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The rain didn't stop the crowds from coming to downtown Bethlehem for the 35th annual Celtic Classic over the weekend.
Thousands came out from the Lehigh Valley and far beyond - many donning kilts - to hear traditional pipes, see Irish dancing, eat specialty foods like haggis and watch unique sports.
Celtic Classic began Friday afternoon and ended Sunday evening, and put the spotlight on events like:
- An Invitational Pipe Band Competition
- The U.S. National Highland Athletic Championships
- The “Showing of the Tartan” Parade
- The 23rd Annual Fiddle Competition
- A Children's Cultural Activity Area
- Celtic music and dance ranging from traditional to modern twists
Attendee Nicole Boncik said the two and a half day festival is one of her favorites in the area, and she was not deterred by the forecast on the final day.
"It's more condensed so you feel like you have to come, weather or not."
Bonick said highlights of the weekend were the parade, the Highland games and the varied Celtic tastes and sounds from the British Isles and local festival favorites.
"A lot of the live music is excellent,” Boncik said. “The Kilmaine Saints are probably our favorite [and the] Glengarry Bhoys, we love them. [Also] the food and drink of course."
Organizers say the free festival is a labor of love. On Saturday, to commemorate the 35th anniversary, the event crowned a king and queen for the first time.
The final day ended with bands, border collies, music and games like caber throwing, with the athletes cheered on by crowds of onlookers as each log fell.
John Van Beuren from Idaho took the victory in the nine-event competition. He said despite last year being his first time competing at Celtic Classic, the event quickly made an impact on him.
“I already knew from the get go that I have to come back to this one,” Van Beuren said. "This is my favorite festival to go to. It's the only games here where you feel like you know you are the center of attention. And it's because the fans, everybody's a great supporter of the games.”
Attendees could drift between the four different stages playing traditional Celtic music ranging from pipe bands to modern Celtic rock. Many came home with affection for their heritage, be it Irish, Scottish, Briton, or another Celtic group - and leaving with merchandise to show it.
