The Johnsonville Big Grill is coming to Bernard Blues & BBQ.

When the second Bernard Blues & BBQ opens in September, crowds will come face-to-face with a massive grill weighing 53,000 pounds and 90 feet long.

Equipped with four grills, hot and cold running water, electricity, a sound system, a prep area, and a refrigeration station the Johnson Big Taste Grill will be rolling in for a special appearance as part of the company’s SEC tours.

“We are so excited to be selected as part of this tour,” said festival organizer Joyce Nix said. “We can’t wait to showcase the magnitude of this massive grill. From what I understand, this is not easy to come by because it’s always in demand for events and fundraisers.”

Bernard Blues & BBQ is scheduled Sept. 8-9 at St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School as a major fundraiser for the nationally recognized school.

The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill has the capacity to cook more than 750 brats at a time—about 2,500 per hour—and can accommodate more than 12 “grill masters. It consists of the driver and two grill masters. St. Bernard’s staff of volunteers will assist in the sale of Johnsonville Ultimate Brats or the Better with Cheddar Brat during the two-day event.

Franks RedHot sauce has joined as a “Hogfather” sponsor as well. Teaming up with Tyson, the school and Franks RedHot sauce will be serving up chicken wings. Team members from Franks RedHot Sauce will be on hand serving samples of smoked wings for sale at the event, Nix said.

Freddie Day Catering is also serving pulled pork barbecue and ribs. 

Live music will kick off the festival Sept. 8 with the St. Bernard Choir at 9 .m. The Blues Hammer Band begins performing at noon. Guests can enjoy pulled pork as well as ribs, hamburgers, brats, and chicken wings throughout the event.

Music on Sept. 9 starts with Sweet Licks Dixieland Jazz roaming the campus from 10 a.m. until noon; followed by DE JA’ Blue Horns at Noon; and Bama Blu-Grace at 2 p.m.

Visitors at the festival are welcome to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the food and music, or roam about to shop among the many vendors bringing their creations for sale.

At the close of the festival on Sunday, the school will give-away over $10,000 in cash prizes. All proceeds benefit the work of education at St. Bernard Prep School – a co-ed residential and day school for grades 7-12. 

An admission donation of $5 is requested at the gate. Children 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. 

In addition to Johnsonville, Tyson and Franks RedHot, sponsors include  Eidson & Associates, Bill Smith GMC, Cullman Chrysler Dodge, Eckenrod Ford, Pepsi, Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Leaffilter, Billy Ray Taylor Auto Sales, Merchants Bank, Cullman Jefferson Gas, Tyson, Citizens Bank, Petro Dodge City Travel Center, and Walmart Distribution #6006.

“Everything we do at St. Bernard depends on community support,” Nix said. “We’re grateful for the many sponsors who support the events and school and people across Cullman County joining the many visitors who arrive for the festival.

For more information contact the school at 256-739-6682 or visit stbernardprep.com.