Celtic Classic Bethlehem, PA

**Galician** · 25th September 07, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Chef

I think it would be great to touch base with members of Xmarks. Since it is away from the hubub but very close I might suggest the lobby of the Hotel Bethlehem (time to be determined), but I am open to other suggestions. The hotel lobby might make it easier to find each other and then we can head back down to the festivities. It is a short walk.

I'm up for it, but I don't have a clear idea of the schedule of activities. Can anyone suggest a time? Oh, and where is the hotel?

**acstoon** · 25th September 07, 12:58 PM

Won't make it this year...
My brother & I will be at:
http://www.gml2007.com/gallery.asp
watching loud machines, made of aluminum, fly very fast.

**Chef** · 25th September 07, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Galician

I'm up for it, but I don't have a clear idea of the schedule of activities. Can anyone suggest a time? Oh, and where is the hotel?

There is something going on all the time, so it is difficult, but might I suggest 2:30 PM on the Saturday. The sheaf toss should be finished by then and the caber doesn't start until 4:00. It could be 2:00 if your willing to miss the sheaf toss (not my favourite event so it's fine by me). That should give those coming on Saturday time to get there and settle in.

The Hotel Bethlehem is easy to find...from the festival look up the hill towards the centre of town and it is the big building with the Hotel Bethlehem sign on it...sorry couldn't help myself. It is about a 2 minute walk from the festivities.

**mddock58** · 26th September 07, 05:52 AM

I'm not sure what my timing will be this weekend, but I will be there. If I'm around at the time of the meet, I'll try to get there!

The USA Kilts booth is always a great place to meet as well, It's fun to stand there and watch Rocky sweat!, er,, I mean talk to Rocky......

Galician - You can see the Hotel Bethlehem on the map for the festival, here's the link Celtic Classic Map
It is just above the "Ring of Celtic Heritage" on the map. The link will open a PDF file.

Rocky's Booth is usually in the Grand Marketplace area.

**RockyR** · 26th September 07, 06:58 AM

You should see me by Sunday Night... throat sore from talking, legs wobbly, sweating profusely and dehydrated. Now THAT'S a sight.

**canawler** · 26th September 07, 07:22 AM

Funny thing about this event. They advertise it as being the largest Celtic event in the US which means the vendors are great, the music is great, the games are sanctioned, etc. The problem is this event draws far too many people to fit in the area where they hold it. Last year, I attended for the first time and quickly got tired of standing in line and trying to fight my way through the crowd just to get between events. You couldn't move through the main concourse areas at all and you had to wait in line just to look at vendor booths. We literally got turned away from listening to two bands due to venues being over capacity (fire codes.) Their food system is absolutely ridiculous as well. The food vendors do not take money, only coupons. You have to stand in line to buy food tickets then stand in line again to actually get food. If you misjudge how many food tickets to buy up front, oh well, your loss.

Sorry, I just had to vent a little. All that being said, it was still a great event. I just hate crowds. My wife and I are going to give it one more try this year. If the crowds are still miserable this year she has already informed me we will not be attending again (and this coming from someone who loves Celtic events.) I will try to make the 2:30 meet but we may be catching a musical act at that time.

**mddock58** · 26th September 07, 09:06 AM

I understand about the "Food Coupons" , but this actually means that all the food vendors don't need to have "change" on hand, or with the amount of people, they get looted.
This restricts that money to areas that are easily protected.

Remember, most of those working are volunteer, and sometimes the lines go SLOOOOOOWW!
Depending on the times you are there, it IS PACKED!!, I like the evening hours, since it slows down because of those that had already spent too much, or are too tired out to stay.

Unfortunately it is packed because it is so popular.
Hope to catch you there!

**Chef** · 26th September 07, 10:47 AM

The crowds are a the reason I didn't suggest meeting at Rocky's. He has enough to worry about without us having a get together at his tent. I'm sure we'll all probably get there anyway to say hi and spend money. The hotel lobby will be reasonable at that hour and it is very close.

**RockyR** · 27th September 07, 01:07 PM

My tent will be (same as it was last year) right across from the beer tent. I don't mind if you guys meet in FRONT of my area on the corner. That wouldn't bother me... I just don't have much time to "chat".

The way we describe Celtic Classic to customers who have never been there... it's like our "superbowl" or it's like "St. Patty's and Xmas rolled into 1 weekend". When you see the crowds (especially with the forecast being 72degrees and sunny all weekend), you'll understand.