December 19, 2008 (Bethlehem, PA) Celtic Cultural Alliance announced today that a weekend celebration honoring the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns will be held January 23 – 25 and is being presented with the support of Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Donegal Square, McCarthy’s Restaurant & Tea Room, and Braveheart Highland Pub. Proceeds of the weekend will benefit the Celtic Cultural Alliance.

Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard, was born on January 25, 1759. One of the most famous songs in the world, "Auld Lang Syne" was written by Burns and is the traditional hymn of New Years Eve. Throughout 2009, Scotland will be celebrating Burns’ birth, with events that celebrate all things Scottish; art, athletics, music, and traditions in what is known as Homecoming Scotland 2009.

“The Celtic Cultural Alliance will be recognizing the importance of Burns to Scotland with a three day celebration that incorporates art, music, poetry, and traditions. “states John Sweeney, Executive Director of Celtic Cultural Alliance. “Burns Weekend is an opportunity for Celtic Cultural Alliance to introduce our educational programming that is a part of our mission statement though unique events that will not only educate but also entertain in Bethlehem and Hellertown.” continues Sweeney.

The weekend will begin Friday, January 23 at 7 pm with an Opening Reception to be held at Historic Hotel Bethlehem located at 437 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. The Opening Reception will include Burns themes and the opening night of a two-day Celtic Art Exhibit presented by Donegal Square. Tickets for the reception are $20 and include hors’ d’oeuvres and two hours of open bar.

Saturday, January 24 will feature the Celtic Art Exhibit presented by Donegal Square and theatrical performances of Burns’ poetry throughout Hotel Bethlehem beginning at noon through 5 pm. Tickets to the art exhibit and theatrical performances are $7 per child and $15 per adult. The evening brings two events, a scotch tasting and a Burns lecture. The scotch tasting will take place at McCarthy’s Restaurant & Tea Room located at 534 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the tasting beginning at 7 pm. Southern Wine & Spirits is sponsoring the tasting featuring Glenlivet brand scotch with food by McCarthy’s Restaurant & Tea Room. The featured single malts for this evening are Glenlivet 12 year old, 15 year old, 18 year old and the 16 year old Nadurra.
Tickets for the scotch tasting are $50 per person. Down the street at Hotel Bethlehem a dinner and a lecture on Burns will be held at $50 per person. Tickets include dinner, wine, and lecture.

Sunday, January 25 is the traditional Burns Night festivities at Braveheart Highland Pub located at 430 Main Street, Hellertown, PA 18033. Burns Night will feature traditional toasts, food, luminaria, and celebrity bartenders starting at 6 pm.


Submissions are being accepted for the Celtic Art Show presented by Donegal Square through January 14. Artists, professional and amateur are invited to exhibit their original art created within the last three years with a Celtic theme. All mediums are accepted. Also included in the show are potters, weavers, photographers and silversmiths that create Celtic themed work. Interested artist must forward photographs of entries to event manager, Potential Factor, LLC by January 14 to the attention of Leslie Yetter, Managing Partner at lyetter@thepotentialfactor.com. Acceptance notifications will be made by January 17, 2009. Exhibitors are welcome to sell their artwork with a 10% commission given to Celtic Cultural Alliance. For additional information regarding the Celtic Art Show presented by Donegal Square go to www.thepotentialfactor.com or call 484.695.8170.

For tickets to any of the Burns Weekend festivities, contact Celtic Cultural Alliance at 610.868.9599 e-mail info@cca.us.com.

Burns Weekend is being organized by Potential Factor, LLC, a Lehigh Valley event planning firm. Potential Factor is working alongside the Celtic Cultural Alliance to assist in sponsorship, fundraising, and community development.

For information about Celtic Cultural Alliance call 610.868.9599 or go to www.cca.us.com.