BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The City of Bethlehem to the rescue?
After the Celtic Cultural Alliance canceled its annual Parade of Shamrocks in March, the event is returning in 2024.
And Bethlehem will be part of it.
The Parade of Shamrocks will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16.
The parade has not been held since 2019. The coronavirus pandemic caused its cancellation in 2020 and 2021. Inclement weather was the reason in 2022.Celtic Cultural Alliance records
A news conference with details of the partnership is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at alliance offices at 902 Fourth Ave., according to a release from the city.
The conference also will be streamed live on the Facebook pages of the city and Mayor J. William Reynolds.
The parade has not been held since 2019. The coronavirus pandemic caused its cancellation in 2020 and 2021. Inclement weather was the reason in 2022.
Reached by phone Friday, Alliance Executive Director Jayne Ann M. Recker would say only that all details about the cooperative would be disclosed Monday.
Financial problems
The Celtic Cultural Alliance has been beset by financial problems because of weather-related issues during events over the past few years.
Recker also would not reveal the genesis of the city’s interest and subsequent participation.
Several days of rain during the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival in September was responsible for low attendance and revenue.
Immediately following the 2023 festival, Recker said a review of the organization's financial position would be conducted before committing to holding the festival in 2024.
The Parade of Shamrocks will start on Broad Street. It will continue east on Broad and then travel south on Main Street. The parade will end under the Hill-To-Hill Bridge.
