CULLMAN, Ala. – Although Saturday’s weather was less than ideal, the show went on, and on Sunday, Sept. 7, it was sunshine and blue skies for the ninth annual Bernard Blues & BBQ. The arts and crafts festival was held on the scenic grounds of St. Bernard Preparatory School.
Director of Marketing and Public Relations and Festival Director Joyce Nix said on Sunday, “That’s why you host a two-day show; we never know what the weather is going to do, but Sunday has been great,” Nix said. “The barbecue contest went off without a hitch and the winner was from all the way in Pennsylvania. We had 31 teams in the competition. Everything has gone well this weekend, no major problems were had and our staff has gone above and beyond to keep everything smooth sailing.”
Nix, who has worked for St. Bernard for 43 years, said situations will arise, but having a supportive staff and community will always help events be successful.
“We have an amazing group of parents, students and helpers to assist in making this event and others go well,” Nix said. “This was our ninth annual Bernard Blues festival and we have the Bloomin’ Festival coming up in the spring. We also couldn’t do any of this without our sponsors. The entertainment was great, the barbecue competition, attendance; it’s truly been a great weekend.”
Live entertainment for the weekend included Microwave Dave, Kingfish and Kevin Sport.
This year’s sweepstakes winners included Ashley Taylor of Cullman ($10,000), David Green of Eva ($1,000), Walter Hughes of Hoover ($500) and Margaret Cuny of Ardmore, Tennessee ($250).
Mark your calendars for The Bloomin’ Festival, set to take place April 17-18, 2026.
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The ninth annual Bernard Blues & BBQ festival wrapped up Sunday with sunshine and blue skies on the grounds of St. Bernard Preparatory School.
Despite some rainy weather on Saturday, Sunday brought big crowds, live entertainment, and a smooth barbecue competition featuring 31 teams, including the winner from Pennsylvania.
The weekend included performances by Microwave Dave, Kingfish, and Kevin Sport, and thanks to the support of students, staff, and volunteers, the event ran without a hitch.
Sweepstakes winners included Ashley Taylor of Cullman, who took home the $10,000 grand prize, along with winners from Eva, Hoover, and Ardmore, Tennessee.
Organizers are now looking ahead to their next major event, the Bloomin’ Festival, which is set for April 17–18, 2026.
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