Things are ‘bloomin’ at annual St. Bernard Abbey festival

CULLMAN — Arts and crafts will be on display for two days in April when St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School hosts its annual Bloomin’ Festival.

Set for April 5-6, the outdoor event, now in its 41^st year, features the handcrafted works of talented artists and craftsmen, music and festival food and is expected to draw more than 25,000 visitors in search of fresh air, unique arts and crafts, demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment in a picturesque setting.

During Bloomin’ Festival, over 150 talented artists and craftsmen from across the Southeast make their way to North Alabama to showcase their unique handcrafted work.

Festivalgoers can expect to find many of the unique items found in year’s past including driftwood birdhouses, hand-carved Bethlehem olivewood, pottery, paintings, blacksmith copper and iron, cypress outdoor furniture and more.

Along with shopping for handcrafted items, festivalgoers are treated to great food from a variety of concession vendors. Loaves of Monk Bread will also be available for purchase, but festivalgoers will want to arrive early as the delicious treat sells out quickly.

A highlight of the event is the grand prize giveaway April 6, featuring a 2025 Buick Encore GX, provided by Bill Smith Buick GMC of Cullman. Additional prizes include a portable projector, Apple AirPods, a mini foldable drone and a Fitbit Inspire Watch. Tickets for the prizes are $5 each or six for $25 and may be purchased online.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily rain or shine. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person with children 5 years old and under admitted free. Pets are not allowed.

Proceeds benefit St. Bernard Prep School, a private co-educational boarding school for grades 9-12.

For more information, visit www.bloominfestival.com, call 256-255-5860 or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bloominfestival/.

St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School is at 1600 St. Bernard Drive in Cullman, adjacent to the world-famous Ave Maria Grotto, a 4-acre park featuring 125 miniature replicas of biblical structures and world-famous buildings, all hand built by a Benedictine monk.

Special reduced admission rates are offered to festival attendees to visit Ave Maria Grotto all weekend. For more information, visit https://www.avemariagrotto.com/.