Scott Spitzer of Cullman Dodge Jeep Chrysler presents the keys to the 2020 Jeep Renegade to Fr. Joel Martin, President of St. Bernard Prep School in early March. While the festival has been canceled due to the coronavirus, the school will draw for the winner on Sunday, April 19 at 4 p.m. Tickets are still available at bloominfestival.com.

St. Bernard Prep School is no exception to feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic including its 36th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey ordered all events postponed and nonessential businesses closed statewide until April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Jeep Renegade and other prizes will be given away at 4 p.m. on April 19 via Facebook Live.

“We are heartbroken. Our school depends on this festival for daily operations of the good work we do here at St. Bernard,” said Festival Director Joyce Nix said. “We held out to the last minute to make this call, but at the end of the day the health and safety of our monks, students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests is our top priority.”

The school has refunded thousands of dollars in booth fees to the artisans who are also struggling as the majority have had no shows this year due to the pandemic.

Tickets for the prize giveaway as well as festival t-shirts may be purchased online by visiting bloominfestival.com.

“The monks join me in saying ‘Thank you!’ for supporting the work we do at St. Bernard. We appreciate each of you and ask you to join us as we pray for complete healing of our nation and especially the healthcare, medical, and emergency workers,” Nix said.

Saint Bernard looks forward to hosting the 4th Annual Bernard Blues and BBQ festival on September 12-13, 2020.