1996
Although the festival opened to cool, cloudy skies, Saturday’s torrential downpour failed to dampen the crowd’s spirits. Athlete Bob Troupe set a field record of 34 feet, 1 inch in the sheaf toss. Mike Fitch of Bethlehem won the first annual haggis-eating contest, which began on a traditional note, with a piper and recitation of the Robert Burns “Ode to Haggis”. Ryan Vierra of Turlock, California, took home his first Celtic Classic championship.
1996 Celtic Classic Performers List
- Brother
- Mike Casey & David Digiuseppe
- Cherish the Ladies
- The Irish Lads
- Tommy Makem
- Seamus Kennedy
- Men of Worth
- Ed Miller
- Joanna Mell
- Mollyhawkers
- Shanachians
- Separate Reality
- Carol Thompson
1996 Pipe Bands:
- Icelandair’s City of Washington Pipe Band
- Glengarry Pipe Band
- Hamilton Pipe Band
- Manchester Pipe Band
- Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band