(Update) ‘Bloomin’ Festival cut short due to severe weather
Published 7:40 pm Saturday, April 5, 2025
Huntsville's Davida Holiday Flax shares her vintage tin upcycled jewelry during the Bloomin' Festival Saturday, April 5. 'The Bloomin' Festival is one of the best shows I come to. Joyce (Nix, event organizer) does an amazing job," said the retired Air Force veteran. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Due to severe weather, the 41st Annual Bloomin' Festival, seen April 6, was canceled for Sunday. Photo courtesy St. Bernard
Guests navigate a campus full of vendors Saturday, April 5, at the 41st Annual Bloomin' Festival at St. Bernard Abbey. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Photographer Cara Fuller brought her gallery of abandoned cars in the woods to the annual Bloomin' Festival Saturday, April 5. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
A festival-goer is seen through a a painted gourd designed by artist Sook Mellen. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
A customer selects a pen created by woodworker Tim Reid Saturday, April 5, at the Bloomin' Festival. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Guests line up to purchase pieces of David and Melonie Thompson iron work, seen in the foreground. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Guests check out carpenter bee traps created by birdhouse maker Billy Goodman. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Chainsaw artist Jim Sebastian plans a delivery of one of his creations for a Bloomin' Festival guest. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Vinemont’s Christian Gingrich of Opa’s Woodshop, left, talks with Julie Foust and granddaughter, Ruby Farmer, 9 of Cullman. Ruby Ruby purchased an alligator puzzle. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
A festival-goer is seen through a window painted by Deborah Elliott. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
A Corgi takes in the sights Saturday, April 6. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
JT Pottery's Jeff Mayfield chats with festivalgoers Saturday, April 5. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Woodworker Tim Reid talks to customers Saturday, April 5, at the Bloomin' Festival. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
Artist Sook Mellen discusses her art with a Bloomin' Festival guest. Amanda Shavers | The Cullman Times
The annual Bloomin’ Festival was cut a day short after severe weather brought heavy rains and flooding into the area.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news,” St. Bernard Abbey Abbot Marcus Voss, O.S.B. said in a statement. “Due to heavy rain and thunder, we’ve had to cancel today’s (Sunday) events at the 41st Annual Bloomin’ Festival. All our talented vendors and our beloved artisans had to pack up yesterday, and we couldn’t safely continue. This Sunday’s celebration of spring, artistry and community has been silenced by the storm.”
Proceeds from the Bloomin’ Festival are vital to the operations at the campus.
“The cancellation deeply affects St. Bernard Prep, our cherished school and abbey. … supporting students, maintaining our historic campus and preserving the Ave Maria Grotto. Without this weekend’s revenue, we face a significant challenge,” Voss said.
General donations can still be made to support the school at stbernardprep.com or to the abbey at stbernardabbey.com.
“Every act of kindness counts,” Voss said.
“We know this rain has disappointed us all, but your compassion can turn this moment into one of resilience and unity. The laughter of our students, the beauty of our campus and the spirit of our festivals depend on you. Together, we can weather this storm.”
More than 150 vendors from across the southeastern United States made their way to the Abbey to showcase their work. On Saturday morning, some were optimistic the severe weather would hold off.
Huntsville’s Davida Holiday Flax prepared for Saturday’s wind by securing the bases of her displays that held her vintage tin upcycled jewelry. The retired Air Force veteran was planning to let the side flaps down on her tent and tough it out.
‘The Bloomin’ Festival is one of the best shows I come to. Joyce (Nix, event organizer) does an amazing job,” said Flax who plans to return for the Bernard Blues and BBQ event in early September.
But, hours after the 8 a.m. opening, other vendors were already making plans for an early exit.
“I’m hoping I sell everything today, so I can pack up,” said Vinemont’s Christian Gingrich of Opa’s Woodshop as she looked at the cloudy sky.
By noon, photographer Cara Fuller had decided she wouldn’t be able to return Sunday due to the forecast.
“With the wind and rain … I can’t protect my work,” Fuller, whose tent was lined with her photographs of classic cars abandoned in wooded areas.
Even with the abbreviated event, organizers were pleased with Saturday’s outcome.
“We had an incredible day on Saturday,” Nix said. “We had Lions Club members volunteering with parking — it ran like a well oiled machine — and of course our student and parents are the driving force. They make it possible and do an incredible job.”
Supporters reached out online to purchase sweepstakes tickets, which also helps fund school and Abbey operations.
“We had 24 volunteers completing online orders all day Sunday. What an incredible show of support for our school, abbey and festival,” Nix said.
“It was a humbling experience. At one point I had tears rolling down my face, witnessing the orders coming in from our precious young alumni, crafters who had to pack up early and BBQ cook teams. We appreciate everyone so much.”
Sweepstakes winners were:
— 1st Place: 2025 Buick Encore GX – Terry Parker, Madison
— 2nd Place: Portable Projector – Kristen Ladner, Birmingham
— 3rd Place: Apple Air Pods – Tony Honeycut, Pelham
— 4th Place: Mini Drone – Angie Colwell, Cullman
— 5th Place: Fitbit Watch – Cathy Ehlert, Huntsville
In a statement, officials thanked supporters and artisans for their support.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who came to the 41st Annual Bloomin’ Festival and supported St. Bernard Prep School in any way. Your presence, generosity and compassion — especially during the unexpected challenges of this year’s rain — meant the world to us. Whether you attended, donated or prayed for our success, you helped us weather the storm and keep our community strong.
“A special thanks to all our incredible volunteers, whose dedication shone through even in the face of rain. Your tireless efforts processing tickets, assisting vendors, and ensuring safety allowed us to make the most of the festival despite the challenges. You are the heartbeat of this event and we are so grateful for your service.
“Your collective support helps us continue to support our students, maintain our historic campus, and preserve the Ave Maria Grotto. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to St. Bernard Prep.
