BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The end of an era: the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival is ending operations in Bethlehem after this year.
The Celtic Cultural Alliance said years of significant financial challenges led to the decision.
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,” the nonprofit organization said in a news release.
The organization noted attendance at the Celtic Classic has remained strong throughout the years.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Board President Lane Rundle.
“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.”
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