The Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA) announces the 32nd presentation of the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival Sept. 27-29. The U.S. National Highland Games Championship, Celtic music, Irish dance and Celtic culture are all part of the largest free Celtic festival in North America, which takes place in historic downtown Bethlehem. From the traditional Highland Games events and bagpipe competitions to five stages with live Celtic music, Celtic Classic provides an abundance of fun activities to entertain festival -goers of all ages.

“Our volunteers and sponsors have worked diligently over the past year to present a fantastic 32nd festival,” said Jayne Ann Recker, executive director of the Celtic Cultural Alliance. “We are all excited for this year’s dynamic line-up of musicians, athletes and cultural activities.”

At Celtic Classic, the men’s U.S. National Highland Games Championship features the top 10 professional Highland Games’ athletes in the United States, who compete for the title of U.S. Champion. This competition tests agility and strength through the caber toss, hammer throw, stone throw and other events.

Celtic music and Irish dance will help bring a beat to your step throughout the weekend. Twenty different bands or solo performers from around the world will perform a variety of traditional Irish music, Celtic fusion, and Celtic rock on five stages throughout the festival. New this year to Celtic Classic is Kennedy’s Kitchen, a seven-piece traditional Irish band from Indiana.

Bagpipe music can be heard throughout the festival and, especially, at the Grades 3 and 4 Competitions, which take place on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday at 11:30 a.m., the Showing of the Tartan Parade kicks off with bagpipe bands, local high school bands, local dignitaries and several Scottish, Welsh and Irish clans and societies.

One major change at Celtic Classic is tickets will no longer being required to purchase food or beverages.

“Our goal is that the visitors to Celtic Classic will have an even more enjoyable experience by eliminating the need to stand in one line to purchase tickets and another to buy food and drinks,” Recker said,

Bring your appetite as so that you can taste the delicious array of food and beverages. Hand battered fish and chips, pasties, bridies, meat pies and haggis are available for the traditional enthusiast. There will be something for everyone, including pretzels, kettle corn and strudel.

The Celtic Heritage Hollow celebrates the Celtic heritage through ethnic clans and societies, live performances, and a children’s activity tent.

For more information, directions, volunteering opportunities and the weekend’s schedule, log on to www.celticfest.org.