The streets of Bethlehem will turn green on March 16 as thousands of emerald-clad revelers will sweep into Historic Bethlehem for the Eighth annual Celtic Classic Parade of Shamrocks, organized by the Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA).

The parade begins at 1 p.m. at 10th Avenue and West Broad Street and proceeds east on Broad Street, turns right on to Main Street and heads south on Main Street. The parade concludes under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. This free event has plenty of viewing along the sidewalks of the procession route.

James F. Stocklas will serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. Stocklas is a retired District Judge in Northampton County who has been very supportive of local charities, schools and other community organizations.

The weekend will kick off on Friday, March 15, at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem where you will find musicians playing traditional Irish tunes to sing along with in the hotel lobby. Happening all weekend will be Failte’ Festival, presented by Donegal Square & McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar, in the Ice House. There will be three days of Irish music and dancing with top names such as Gerry Timlin, Seamus Kennedy, O’Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance and more. Tickets can be found at donegalsquare.com/events or call 610-866-3244.

Prior to the parade, festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the Celtic Dog Parade at Donegal Square. Proceeds benefit the Center for Animal Health & Welfare. (To register as a contestant, call 610-866-3244.)

After the parade, many stores and businesses have special activities planned throughout the day along Main and Broad streets. Pubs and restaurants will have Irish themed menus and drink specials.

“Over 30 percent of the Lehigh Valley’s residents have Celtic roots.” says Jayne Ann Recker, executive director of the Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA). “But everyone is Irish for the Parade of Shamrocks. Anyone can participate in the parade. It’s a great way for your organization to gain visibility, as every group is recognized on RCN’s broadcast.” The parade will be shown on RCN on March 23 at 10 a.m. followed by “Half Way to the Celtic Classic” at 12:30 p.m. with highlights from the 2018 event. More highlights will be shown by RCN on March 24 beginning at 9 a.m.

The parade unofficially marks the halfway point to the 32nd annual Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival, the largest free Celtic festival in North America, organized by the CCA.

The Celtic Classic will be held Sept. 27 - 29. Annually, over 280,000 visitors come to Historic Bethlehem to join in this celebration of all things Celtic. Festivities include the U.S. National Highland Games Championship, pipe band competition, authentic Celtic merchants and world renowned Celtic performers.

For more information on the Parade of Shamrocks visit the organization’s website at www.celticfest.org.