Celtic Cultural Alliance has announced the 2023 Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival will be a cashless operation.

The staff and committee members who plan CCA’s events have worked hard the last few months to make everything come together, to create the best experience possible for visitors.

Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker said, “We have received requests from vendors to consider this while watching cash receipts drop each year as compared to electronic payments. In our decision-making process, we observed other events and venues make the change with great success. Since the pandemic, people have come to expect it. It will mean faster lines, giving everyone more time to enjoy what the Celtic Classic has to offer.”

There will be a strong promotional campaign from now until the start of the Celtic Classic, so that as many people as possible can be informed in advance.

For patrons who may have missed the announcements or choose not to use credit, debit or other accepted electronic payments, gift cards will be available for purchase with cash at the event. Gift cards and beverage tokens will also be available for advance purchase this summer.

Recker said that while cash will not be accepted for food or beverage purposes, the 40-plus Celtic retail merchants will still accept cash payments along with credit, debit and other electronic forms of their choosing.

The CCA is gearing up for the 36th annual presentation of the Celtic Classic Sept. 22-24 in Downtown Bethlehem, and will begin making major announcements next month, including the performer lineup.

For more information on the Celtic Classic and other CCA events, follow Celtic Classic on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@CelticClassic), visit celticfest.org or contact info@celticfest.org.

Contributed article