Sponsorship Opportunities
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.
HISTORY 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 2006 over 250,000 visitors came to Historic Bethlehem to join in this celebration of all things Celtic. Now in its 20th year,preparations are underway to welcome visitors from around the world to this one of a kind event for 2007.
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.
In 2005, Celtic Cultural Alliance expanded its educational programming with regular classes in language, art and cooking. These educational activities continue today with our focus on youth and delivering programming into the schools in the Lehigh Valley. In these times of cost cutting and security concerrns many schools are not able to provide off campus activities for their students. CCA is proud to be a part of the solution to this reality by integrating our programming into the on campus schedule of activites in our local scool systems.
In 2007, CCA added the Winter Classic to its schedule of activities. This event is the first in our expansion of major activities planned through 2009. A major celebration is planned for each of the fire festivals celebrated in the Celtic year. It is our plan to add in our next event on May of 2008 for the Celebration of Beltane. The reception of the Winter Classic exceed our expectations. The thing that was made abundantly clear was that this event is destined to be a long term success
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 non-profit organization supported by over 750 volunteers, its board of directors and staff.
In support of its mission, Celtic Cultural Alliance presents the following activities throughout the year:
The Annual Celtic Classic
The Winter Classic
The Celtic Banquet
In house educational programming
The Celtic Ball
The Celtic Cooking Series
Celtic Calligraphy Instruction
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts programming
Musical and Theater act performances
Irish Language instruction
Local school and community outreach programming
Living history presentations
Celtic Key Holder educational programming
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, The Winter Classic, The Celtic Banquet and the other programming activities which define the organization.
To provide opportunities for varied corporate partners, Celtic Cultural Alliance has developed a comprehensive yet flexible, sponsorship program fconsistent with its 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, our corporate partners associate themselves with wholesome, family oriented activities, in celebration of the community. It 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.
A sampling of sponsorship opportunities is listed below. Please fill in out information request form for more information.
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.
TITLE OR PRESENTING SPONSOR
The most valuable commodity an event has is its name. For one company only, Celtic Cultural Alliance will identify the Annual Celtic Classic, the Winter Classic or the Winter Classic with the name of its Title Sponsor. The Title Sponsor’s name shall be included in all public mention, promotion, press releases, advertising and any other media identification, when Celtic Classic is mentioned. Once officially contracted, the event will be known as the “ABC Company Event”.
Title sponsorships are available to appropriate sponsors for a promotional fee of $25,000 to $75,000.00 annually based upon the event(s) sponsored, with a multi-year agreement..
Celtic Cultural Alliance will entertain identifying one business partner as the presenting sponsor of an event when an agreement for Title Sponsorship has not been entered into. The Presenting Sponsor status is reserved for one company whose name shall be identified with the event. The partner’s name shall be included in all public mention, press releases, advertising and any other media identification, when Celtic Classic is mentioned. Once officially contracted, the event will be known as “ABC Event presented by Celtic Cultural Alliance and “ABC Company”. The Presenting Sponsor status carries a promotional fee of $$20,000 to $50,000, cash, on an annual basis. For either Title Sponsor or Presenting Sponsor, each time any media uses the name Celtic Classic, it must identify the Title or Presenting Sponsor. This offers tremendous name recognition and visibility for our Title/Presenting Sponsor to build brand loyalty and product awareness. This recognition can distinguish that sponsor and its products from its competitors.
Entitlement Sponsor
By entitlement, we mean a sponsor’s name shall be identified as part of the site, stage, festival or organizational activity’s name. The Sponsor’s name will appear in all promotional brochures, programs, advertising, etc., in association with the site, stage or activity sponsored.
Entitlement sponsorships allow a company’s name to be linked with a specific site, stage or activity at the event, as an example, “The ABC Tavern In The Glen” or “The ABC educational program”. The promotional fees associated with Entitlement Sponsorship range from $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 annually. If all promotional deadlines are met, our Entitlement Sponsor’s name and logo will appear in the Celtic Classic promotional advertising.
ENTITLEMENT SPONSORSHIP opportunities include:
The Highland Field
The Highland Athletic Events, the border collie demonstrations and the Massed Bands take place on the Highland Field, throughout the days of the Celtic Classic. The Highland Athletic Events are by invitation only and attract the best in their fields. These are the most visible events showcased at the Celtic Classic. Physically,they are located in the heart of the festival grounds.
Historic IceHouse
A major entertainment venue located on Sand Island, specializing in performances where an intimate audience and interaction are required. The Celtic Fiddle competition and Ecumenical Service also take place at The IceHouse.
Grand Pavilion
Located beneath the Hill-to-Hill Bridge, this site features our largest stage, beneath our largest tent. Our featured performances take place at the Grand Pavilion each evening of the Celtic Classic. This site also features food and beverage vendors, and a large craft merchant area.
Monocacy Moor
Located in and around the Bethlehem Historic Industrial quarter, this site features major entertainment on the Moor Stage. Monocacy Moor also features two craft merchant tents, a children’s craft area, a baby changing station, and a Celtic food court. Monocacy Moor has proven to be the place to attract families for an entire days worth of entertainment and activities.
BairnYard
Located in Monocacy Moor, the BairnYard is a quiet performance area featuring family oriented performances, storytelling, Gaelic language instruction, demonstrations of Irish dance and tales of Celtic Mythology. In the evening, the BairnYard is the home to our popular Seisiuns, which allow patrons to join with festival performers in playing traditional music.
Heritage Area
Also located in the Bethlehem Historic Industrial District, the Heritage Area features the clans and societies of the Celtic cultures. Artisans can be found demonstrating their crafts and patrons have the opportunity to explore their ancestry and to interract with representatives of their clan. The Heritage Stage, introduced in 2006, showcases artists in an intimate setting. The Heritage Stage is set in the heart of our clan area, in, the Ring of Celtic Heritage.
Tavern In The Glen
Located on the southern end of the festival grounds, the Tavern In The Glen features a well appointed, tented stage, with the feel of a traditional pub environment. This site also features craft merchant, food vendors and beverages.
The Piping Grove
Located on the campus of Moravian College,the Piping Grove was introduced in 2006 and has received rave reviews from the competing pipe bands. In 2007, for the20th Anniversary of the Celtic Classic, a premier Grade I piping competition will be added to the piping competitions at the Celtic Classic. Grades I, II, & III pipe bands will compete for two days. The Celtic Classic Invitational Pipe Band competition features some of the best pipe bands in the United States and Canada.
THE WINTER CLASSIC MAIN STAGE
Located at the heart of the Winter Classic celebration, the main stage provides the location for the major acts performing throughout the event. All of the patrons at the Winter Classic will be focused on this performance venue for 2 days. This location provides for tremendous exposure throughout the weekend.
Major Sponsorship – Major Sponsorship categories identify those sponsors who participate in a very visible manner or are associated with major activities occurring at the Celtic Classic. This category of sponsorship may be a performance stage where music and dance will be presented, an athletic competition, a demonstration of sheep herding dogs, a culture series presentation, children’s activities, etc. The promotional fees associated with Major Sponsorship levels range form $5,000.00 to $10,000.00. If all promotional deadlines are met, our Major Sponsor’s name will appear in the Celtic Classic brochure and program book. A Major Sponsorship allows a company sponsor’s name to be identified with a specific performance or event, both in print and verbally through introduction and recognition from our stages.
Major Sponsorship opportunities include:
Individual Highland Athletic Events
Braemar Stone The earliest form of strength competition on record in Scotland. This event features a 24 pound river stone tossed from a standing position.
Weight Toss for Height In this event, athletes swing a 56 pound weight between their legs until they gain enough force to throw it over a horizontal cross bar, suspended above them. Each athlete gets 3 attempts and the winner is the one who clears the highest height.
The Stone Put Similar to the shot put, this event involves putting a 17 pound stone as far away from the athlete as possible.
The Weight Throw For Distance Each athlete tosses a 28 pound and a 56 pound stone for distance. This event takes place over two days of the Celtic Classic, with one weight each day.
The Sheaf Toss In this event, athletes must use a three tined pitch fork to pitch a 20 pound bale of hay over a cross bar. The winner is the athlete who tosses the sheaf the highest.
The Hammer Throw The Celtic Classic Hammer Throw features two throwing events, the 16 pound hammer and the 22 pound hammer. The hammer has a deep-handle attached to the ball by a wire and must be thrown for distance. This event is held over two days featuring both weights.
The Caber Toss The Caber Toss is a demonstration of both accuracy and skill. The caber has three distinct events at the Celtic Classic, the World Invitational Caber Championship, the Highland Games Championship and the Challenge Caber Toss. The caber events are presented all three days.
Pipe Band Competition
Grade I, II & III pipe bands from the United States and Canada compete in a two day competitions. These Invitational Competitions feature the best available pipe bands and are always a crowd favorite. The Celtic Classic Pipe Band Competitions take place in the Piping Grove at Moravian College.
Drum Major Competition
Drum Majors convene on the Parade Grounds on Saturday to showcase their skills and compete for cash awards.
Drum Major Competition
Drum Majors convene on theHighland Field on Saturday and Sunday to showcase their skills and compete for cash awards.
Sponsors’ Reception
A special reception for our sponsors takes place on the Friday evening of the Celtic Classic. This lavish event takes place on the grounds of the Celtic Classic. This is an excellent opportunity for business-to-business marketing.
Featured Concerts The Celtic Classic features the finest in nationally and internationally recognized Celtic musicians. Each band is available for sponsorship and will identify the sponsor, both visually and from the stage prior to their performance.
Celtic Classic Parade
On Saturday morning, prior to the opening ceremonies, a traditional parade marches through the streets of Historic Bethlehem. This display of pageantry concludes at the Parade Grounds and features our competing pipe bands, regional school marching bands, athletes, dancers, sponsors, and dignitaries and clans.
Seisiuns
Seisiuns, or sessions, as we know them, are presented at the BairnYard, in Monocacy Moor. Seisiuns take place nightly, allowing our patrons to bring their instruments and voices to join with our Celtic Classic performers in a communal performance opportunity.
IDENTIFICATION SPONSORSHIP This level of sponsorship associates a different sponsor with an athlete, band or specific entertainer performing at the Celtic Classic. The sponsor’s name will be recognized in all areas related to this individual or group. In addition, the sponsor will be recognized prior to the performance or competition. The promotional fees for Identification Sponsors are $1,000.00 to $5,000.00
Identification Sponsorship opportunities include:
Celtic Athlete A sponsor can be identified as sponsoring a specific athlete throughout the
competition and throughout the weekend of the Celtic Classic, with their business name and logo on the individual athlete’s shirt.
Entertainment Sponsor A sponsor can create visibility and recognition through the sponsorship of a specific entertainer on one of the stages during the Celtic Classic. The sponsor’s name will be identified at the beginning of the performance of that artist and at the conclusion.
Fiddle Competition
With one of the most competitive and unique competitions of its kind, a sponsor can have visibility in association with the performances and with the awards presented to the winners.
Border Collie Exhibition
A crowd favorite at the Celtic Classic, the Border Collie Exhibition creates a level of energy and excitement that spills over to the sponsor.
Pipe Bands
The bands competing at the Celtic Classic Invitational are identified with their individual sponsor throughout the weekend, including the Showing of The Tartan Parade.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship information
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.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed before, during and after Celtic Classic. Become a part of the action by signing up as a volunteer! Register now.
Become a Member of CCA!
Gain access to the many educational, cultural and social programs that Celtic Cultural Alliance sponsors by joining us as a member. All members receive a 10% discount on souvenirs during the Celtic Classic, so now is the time to join!