CCA

The mission of Celtic Cultural Alliance is to preserve and promote the Celtic culture, through education, musical presentations, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping and dance.

On Columbus Day weekend in 1988, the first Celtic Classic was presented by a small group of individuals. Organized as Celtic Fest, Inc., the goal was to create an event that symbolized the Celtic spirit and history, and to provide the impetus for an organization that focused on promoting Celtic culture. This organization has now evolved into Celtic Cultural Alliance, to better communicate the overall goals of the organization.

The first Celtic Classic, in Historic Downtown Bethlehem, was attended by approximately 30,000 people from Southeastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey, who braved snow squalls and an average temperature of 47º. The venues for this inaugural event included the Sun Inn Courtyard and the Community Arts Pavilion, along with the Grand Pavilion and Parade Grounds, which are still a part of this nationally acclaimed event.

Although the situation looked gloomy for the event, the City of Bethlehem pitched in, committees regrouped, tightened their purse strings, and the event was moved to the last weekend of September, where it has remained.

The Celtic Classic has since blossomed into the largest Highland Games and Festival in North America. In 1992, on the 5th Anniversary of the Celtic Classic, the organization expanded into year-round programming. In partnership with Moravian College, a series of lectures was introduced and presented in Foy Hall, on the Moravian College campus. In the years which have followed, the educational programming has expanded to include community outreach events throughout the Lehigh Valley.

COMMUNITY HISTORY

The first Celtic immigrants, who were of Scottish and Irish descent, arrived in the Lehigh Valley circa 1728 from the northern province of Ulster. Today, the Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Cornish remain a dominant force, comprising nearly 30% of the Lehigh Valley population. Incorporated in 1986 under the name Celtic Fest, Inc., Celtic Cultural Alliance celebrates the rich traditions of Celtic culture and heritage. Celtic Fest, Inc./dba Celtic Cultural Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by over 750 volunteers, its board of directors and staff.

SPONSORSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Celtic Cultural Alliance is a community organization, enjoyed and owned by the community it serves. Through a myriad of committees, area residents help to shape the Celtic Classic and the other programming activities which define the organization. To provide opportunities for varied corporate partners and individuals, Celtic Cultural Alliance has developed a comprehensive, yet flexible, sponsorship program Consistent with this philosophy. Promotional fees are established through research and diligence to reflect the cost of presenting diverse programming and services to its patrons.

Celtic Cultural Alliance is committed to bringing the finest presentation of Celtic culture, heritage, crafts and other activities to its patrons. By sponsoring Celtic Cultural Alliance, our partners associate themselves with wholesome, family oriented activities, in celebration of the community. This is a commitment taken seriously. With an experienced staff and a cadre of dedicated volunteers, our operational goals include presenting our partners in a positive public manner. Celtic Cultural Alliance is always available to assist its partners in the creation of promotional activities designed to enhance their sponsorship.

SPONSORSHIP STRUCTURE

To accommodate the specific needs of our business partners, Celtic Cultural Alliance has constructed its sponsorship package to include a wide price range of benefit options. The list of sponsor benefits grows as the financial commitment of our financial partners increases. The minimum sponsorship level for Celtic Cultural Alliance is $1,000.00.

For information on sponsorship of CCA, the Celtic Classic or our other activities please email us at info@cca.us.com.