BETHLEHEM, Pa. — One competitor strode in wearing a crimson mask, another with his trademark viking helmet and shield.
But as the bagpipes signaled the start of the haggis-eating showdown, both were toppled by Kris Wagner, a former U.S. Marine — now crowned three-time Haggis Bowl champion — at the kickoff of the 2025 Celtic Classic.
Wagner, who paired his blackwatch plaid kilt with a U.S. Marine T-shirt, said his four years in the military prepared him for the challenge — to devour a pound of haggis, a dish of
Scottish origin, typically made using sheep or calf organs, spices, oatmeal and onions.
After he finished at record speed, Wagner stood up on his foldable chair, held up his arms and cheered at the crowd.
Sunny skies and a spirit of camaraderie set the stage Friday as organizers of the Celtic Classic and U.S. Highland Games kicked off its 38th run in the Historic District.
The free event, held by the Celtic Cultural Alliance, will run through Sunday, Sept. 28.
Known as the largest free Celtic festival in North America, Celtic Classic combines world-class music, athletic competitions, and cultural showcases and draws More than 200,000 visitors each year.
Celtic Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker said she was thrilled with the early turnout Friday.
In contrast to recent years, when rainy weather dampened attendance and canceled the Tartan Parade and some of the Highland Games events, this year’s forecast calls for clear skies.
The Tartan parade will be held at 11:30 a.m. today, Saturday, Sept. 27.
“We’re not officially open yet, and it’s already really busy,” Recker said. “After three years of rain, we’re very excited about the weather. We’re looking for record crowds.”
This year’s festival will pack three days of nonstop activity: the U.S. National Championships of the Highland Games, five stages of Celtic rock, folk and pub-style music, pipe band competitions and Irish dance, performed by youth groups inside the Ice House.
Attendees can explore Celtic food favorites and nearly 40 vendors spread across the festival grounds.
“There’s just so much to do — you have to be here all three days,” Recker said.
Celtic kilts, jewelry, home decor
For those looking to learn about Celtic roots — or perhaps get a head start on holiday shopping — 40 vendors will sell wares such as jewelry, crystal decanters and vases, wooden crosses, pillows, Christmas stockings and ornaments, blankets, sweaters and wool caps.
While you walk the festival grounds, you'll notice people of all ages donning patterned tartans, which can be bought at USA Kilts, one of the festival's longest-running vendors.
Based in Spring Valley, York County, the kilt-making company offers them in striking hues — bold reds, lush greens, and deep blues — each pattern steeped in history and traditions.
“People see the colors first,” USA Kilt store manager and kilt-maker Ian Anderson said.
"But once you understand the meaning behind the tartan you’re wearing, it connects you to something much bigger.”
The patterns represent the Celtic regions: Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Scotland and Wales.
“Scottish tartans generally have clan names associated with them,” Anderson said as he pointed to a green and blue pattern.
Some of the kilts on display are custom weaves, such as the American Heritage tartan or the Kilts and Culture tartan, named for the monthly Q&A show Anderson co-hosts on YouTube.
“People tune in from all over and ask questions about kilts and culture," he said. "Like how to wear a kilt for a wedding or how to make it work for a formal event."
On Friday, Anderson met with customers who had flown in from Oklahoma after discovering the show online.
“We’ve been coming here almost as long as we’ve been a company — close to 20 years,” he said.
“Other festivals ask us to travel, but we stay focused on the shop. This one’s local, and it’s a tradition.”
From music to competitive games, the Celtic traditions will be plentiful over the weekend, Recker said.
For a complete list of vendors, entertainment, and Highland Games, visit the Celtic Classic website.
