With the conclusion of the 39th Annual Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival, the Celtic Cultural Alliance announces that it will conclude operations, ending nearly four decades of celebrating Celtic culture, heritage, and community in Bethlehem.

For 39 years, the Celtic Cultural Alliance has welcomed millions of visitors to the Lehigh Valley through the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival, the Parade of Shamrocks, educational programs, concerts, cultural classes, and countless community events. What began as a vision to celebrate Celtic traditions grew into one of the largest free Celtic festivals in North America and became a beloved annual tradition for Lehigh Valley residents and visitors alike.

This decision comes after years of significant financial challenges. While attendance at the Celtic Classic has remained strong, changing spending habits, several years of weather affecting festival operations, the lasting financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and steadily rising operating costs have created an unsustainable financial reality for the nonprofit organization.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Lane Rundle, board president. “The Celtic Cultural Alliance has always been about bringing people together through music, culture, education, and tradition. We are deeply grateful to every volunteer, sponsor, donor, performer, athlete, vendor, and festival attendee who helped make this organization what it became. The memories created over the past 39 years will live on far beyond the final festival.”

The board of directors also extends its sincere appreciation to Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker, whose leadership over the past 18 years helped guide the organization through periods of tremendous growth as well as unprecedented challenges. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to the Celtic Cultural Alliance have left a lasting mark on the organization and the Bethlehem community.

For more information about the Celtic Cultural Alliance and its history, visit www.celticfest.org.