CULLMAN, Ala. – The 10th annual Bernard Blues & BBQ Festival took place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School.
St. Bernard Ambassador Kevin Daugherty spoke about the annual fundraiser, explaining that several volunteers are also teachers or alumni of the school.
“I am an alumni from when this campus was a four-year college,” he said. “It was a wonderful place to go to college. The buildings from that time are still here and it’s just a perfect environment for a prep school.”
He acknowledged that the festival was brought together by collective community interest. “Local Cullman people have supported St. Bernard for such a very long time – since 1891.”
Daughtery noted that the event, although at its core is a benefit for the school, is also an attraction for the whole family – children and adults alike – with its vendors or music.
The festival showcased a wide variety of vendors, each displaying unique inventory. This baked bread, jellies, seasonings, succulents, repurposed clothing and bags, leather wallets, stained glass art, caramel apples and seasonal decor.
Lynette Walker with Reclaimed Grace featured handmade farmhouse decor along with freeze-dried candy and “puplicious” dog treats.
“Reclaimed Grace consists of reclaimed wood, pallet wood and leftover construction materials. I try to source everything out as ‘reclaimed’. I repurpose my frames for my hand-lettering items,” Walker stated.
She told The Tribune, “I just want all my pieces, when they go into a home, I want them to bless that home. I want the people that buy them to bless the holy spirit and to have some connection to God.”
This was Walker’s first year as a vendor. She stated that while it was very hot, “I’ve met some very nice people. It has been very pleasant and enjoyable!”
Several vendors mentioned slower traffic due to the heat, but showed appreciation and devotion for the community all the same.
Many attendees gathered beneath tents roaming through the festival’s goods. Others found themselves enjoying slow-cooked barbeque under nearby shade trees surrounding the stage, where live bands performed as children enjoyed train rides around the campus.
Marketing and Festival Director Anabelle Howze shared, “Being part of my first Bernard Blues & BBQ as festival director was such a rewarding experience. There are so many people behind the scenes who give their time, energy and talents to make this weekend possible, and seeing all of that hard work come together was incredibly special.”
She gave credit to those who worked to make the festival possible. “I’m so grateful to our volunteers, vendors, sponsors, students and everyone who came out to support St. Bernard. I couldn’t have asked for a better first year.”
