One of Cullman’s oldest and most popular events has been called off and there are no plans to reschedule.

“The coronavirus has canceled the 36th Annual Bloomin’ Festival,” said organizer Joyce Nix by phone Friday afternoon. “We are heartbroken.”

The event, scheduled for April 18-19, is St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s also a big boost to the local economy.

More than 160 artisans from across the country attend the Festival every year which saw 25,000 visitors at the 2019 two-day event. 

“This is devastating for us, but I’m also concerned for our vendors. They haven’t had a festival this year and they are hurting.”

Nix said St. Bernard’s 4th annual Blues and BBQ event in the fall is still on, for now, and vendors can transfer registration fees toward that festival.

Vendors can also use their fee to purchase sweepstakes tickets for the 2020 Jeep Renegade that will be given away at 4 p.m. on Sunday April 19.

They can also make a donation to the school or request a refund.

Anyone wanting to purchase a chance on the Jeep, can do so online at one.bidpal.net/bloominfestival.

The Ave Marie Grotto gift shop will remain open to sell monk bread and other food items, but only a few guests will be allowed in at a time. 

Recognized as one of the region’s best events, the Bloomin’ Festival has long been a local signal of spring and the beginning of a season of festivals in Cullman County. 

The fate of the Strawberry Festival is still up in the air, although the Cullman City Council approved a special event permit for the festival May 1-2.

An official announcement will be made next week according to Councilman Clint Hollingsworth.

On Tuesday, organizers with the Rock the South music festival released a statement saying the public would be notified of any scheduling changes.

Alabama’s death toll from the new coronavirus pandemic has risen to three as officials announced the new steps to limit the spread of the disease in the state.

At least 538 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the state through limited testing. Cullman has six confirmed cases. Wide swaths of west and south Alabama, mostly rural areas, are not reporting any cases.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday said the state was ordering the closure of certain businesses, such as some retail stores, gyms and entertainment venues as the state tries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.