- The Celtic Cultural Alliance, presenter of the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival, vows to do "everything possible" to continue the event
- Rainy weather caused fewer attendees which impacted revenue needed to sustain the festival
- Event organizers have requested folks volunteer to assist the event
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Despite rainy weather that was responsible for low attendance and revenue at the Celtic Classic festival, organizers vowed Monday to do “everything possible” to ensure the event moves forward.
In a news release a week after the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival concluded, presenters the Celtic Cultural Alliance said that it has been rained out in the past but weathered the storms.
Where there is a will, there is a way.”Jayne Ann Recker, executive director, Celtic Cultural Alliance
“Prior to 2022, we had an 11-year stretch of clear skies,” CCA Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker said in the release.
“We are blessed with the best volunteers and strong community support. Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Recker noted in the news release that the festival creates hundreds of thousands of dollars in local economic impact.
“The CCA alone spends $300,000 with local vendors within a 10-mile radius of the event before we open,” she said. “Most of our food vendors are local downtown merchants who see increased traffic and local hotels are filled.
"This creates a circular impact when this earned revenue is spent in the Lehigh Valley and jobs are maintained.”
Proud of accomplishments, looking for support
Last week, Recker was non-committal on the future of the Celtic Classic as she awaited a final accounting of revenue from the rain-affected event.
“We have no idea what next year has in store,” she said. “We’ll have to wait and see what our financial position is. It’s very expensive to hold this event. Anything’s a possibility.”
Rainy weather on the festival's final two days cut attendance significantly, forcing cancellation of the Showing of the Tartan Parade, among the scheduled high points of the festival.
"$5, $10 or $20 will go a long way."Celtic Cultural Alliance news release
Recker noted the incredible expense her organization incurs to hold the festival — from hiring entertainment to come from Scotland, Ireland and Wales, to bringing in athletes from as far away as Washington State and Arizona to compete in the Highland Games.
In the Monday release, CCA also said it is proud of the scholarships it issues and partnerships with many local organizations that benefit from being a part of the Celtic Classic.
But most importantly, the news release stated, the classic is about celebrating culture with deep roots in the area in the form of a free event all can enjoy.
There are many ways to support CCA and ensure its return in 2024: Become a volunteer, CCA member, sponsor or make a contribution.
The release said, "$5, $10 or $20 will go a long way."
For more information, go to www.celticfest.org
