While the rainy weather during the recent Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival will affect the finances of the organization, the Celtic Cultural Alliance, presenter of the event, will do everything possible to make sure the CCA and Celtic Classic moves forward.

Organizers are very appreciative of the patrons who came out and enjoyed the event, as everything but the Showing of the Tartan Parade went on as scheduled.

Celtic Classic has been rained out in the past and weathered the storms.

“Prior to 2022, we had an 11-year stretch of clear skies,” said Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker. “We are blessed with the best volunteers and strong community support. Where there is a will there is a way. It is not just about a festival.

“The Celtic Classic creates hundreds of thousands of dollars in local economic impact,” Recker said. “CCA alone spends $300,000 with local vendors within a 10-mile radius of the event before we open. Most of our food vendors are local; downtown merchants 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.

CCA is also 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 it is about celebrating culture with deep roots in the area in the form of a free event all can enjoy.

Recker said there are many ways to support CCA and ensure its return in 2024.

“Become a volunteer, CCA member, sponsor or make a contribution. All can be done online,” she said.

For more information on the Celtic Classic, contributions, volunteering opportunities, and other Celtic Cultural Alliance events, visit the organization’s website at celticfest.org.

Contributed article