BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival, which organizers say barely muddled its way through a rainy event last year, will be on surer footing this year with a $75,000 state grant announced Wednesday by state Sen. Lisa Boscola.
Organizers had previously announced the festival would be held for its 37th year, but Boscola said the grant “ensures that the Celtic Classic, the largest free Celtic Festival in North America, will once again be a tremendous economic boon to the Lehigh Valley and our Commonwealth.”
“This state grant is a critical component of CCA being able to hold the Celtic Classic and maintaining its unmatched quality of athletic competition and musical performance."Jayne Ann Recker, executive director of the Celtic Cultural Alliance
“We all remember last year when the torrential rains caused significant negative economic impact on The Celtic Classic,” Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh, said in a release.
“And this state funding will help ensure that it will continue to bring world class performers and athletes to the Lehigh Valley that can only be witnessed in Bethlehem.”
Jayne Ann Recker, executive director of the Celtic Cultural Alliance, which puts on the Celtic Classic, said the grant shows Boscola and the state “recognize the importance of internationally recognized events, such as Celtic Classic, being held here in Bethlehem and their impact to the local, regional and state economy.
“This state grant is a critical component of CCA being able to hold the Celtic Classic and maintaining its unmatched quality of athletic competition and musical performance,” Recker said.
Celtic Classic will be held Sept. 27-29, according to the organization's website.
Parade of Shamrocks this weekend
In December, Bethlehem announced it would team up with the Celtic Cultural Alliance and Downtown Bethlehem Association to usher in the return of the Parade of Shamrocks.
The parade, a sort of a preview for the Celtic Classic, will begin at 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 16.
The parade has not been held since 2019. The coronavirus pandemic caused its cancelation in 2020 and 2021. Inclement weather prevented the parade in 2022.
Recker previously said a review of the organization’s finances would help determine whether it would return in 2024.
The Celtic Classic has been held each October in Bethlehem since 1988, with the exception of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.Celtic Classic history
Celtic Classic has been held each October in Bethlehem since 1988, with the exception of 2020 because of the pandemic.
The three-day event includes the U.S. National Highland Games Championship, pipe band competitions, world class Celtic performers and cultural education activities.
The Celtic Cultural Alliance has been beset by financial problems because of weather-related issues during events over the past few years.
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.
