The threat of pouring rain was predicted as St. Bernard approached the 40th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts event on April 20-21. However, the weekend saw cooler temperatures on Saturday which brought out a large crowd. Sunday the temps dropped to the low 60’s with occasional misting.
“It was a wonderful success,” said Joyce Nix, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
More than 180 artists and craftspeople adorned the grounds with their handmade wares. Visitors took in the artistic abilities of participants who came from as far away as New York, Missouri, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Tennessee.
“Benedictine monks are known for hospitality,” said Nix, “and that rubs off on all of us. Our volunteers shined. Whether it be taking money at the gate, selling tickets, assisting with parking or serving food, our students, faculty, alumni, friends and staff did an outstanding job.”
Nix, who has served as the director of the festival since its inception 40 years ago, was thrilled with comments from attendees.
“People who were first timers to the event sent notes and emails stating how Bloomin’ Festival was the best craft fair they had ever attended,” Nix said.
Fr. Joel Martin, President of the School, recognized Nix for her dedication to the festival for the past 40 years.
“People often ask if the Festival is “gravy” for St. Bernard. No, it’s part of the operating budget, but it’s important to know that the festival keeps St. Bernard open,” Martin said. “Perhaps the most gratifying effect of the Bloomin’ Festival is that it brings the St. Bernard family together for the good of a wonderful gift to our community and world: St. Bernard Preparatory School.”
At the conclusion of the weekend St. Bernard had the annual drawing to decide the winners of the festival’s sweepstakes prizes. The winners were as follows:
Cynthia Bishop — Huntsville, AL — 2024 Jeep CompassPatrick Vu — Fountain Valley, CA — Apple WatchJeanne Federspille — Montgomery, AL — I Home Auto VacSr. Sherrie L Brainard, O.S.B. — Cullman, AL — Apple AirPodsCarla Crafton — Huntsville, AL — Roku Streaming Stick
“We appreciate everyone who participated, especially our sponsors, artisans, and families who worked diligently to make the weekend a success,” said Nix.
St. Bernard is gearing up for the 8th Annual Bernard Blues and BBQ Arts and Crafts Festival to be held September 7-8, in conjunction with a Kansas City Backyard BBQ Cook-off.