Friday, April 17, 2009

Bloomin' Festival: Something for everyone




If you like being in a creative environment, seeing unique handiwork and being entertained, then the Bloomin’ Festival in Cullman, Alabama is the place for you. For the past 25 years St. Bernard Prep, a private day and boarding school, has hosted one of the Southeastern United States favorite events - the Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair. April 18-19 more than 170 artist and craftsmen will adorn the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School to display, demonstrate and sell their creations.


“Alabama loves our festival,” commented Festival Director, Joyce Nix. “We have a quality show where diversity and quantity are very important. We want each artist to be unique so we limit those who come with the same kind of work, otherwise the exhibits become boring. Bloomin’ Festival ‘s goal is to host a show which appeals to the young and old.”


St. Bernard Prep students, parent, faculty, friends, and alumni supporters volunteer to ensure the success of the event. “We are so blessed with such good support from our school community. St. Bernard has the best parents in the world; and they have provided us with an exemplary school of wonderful students,” Nix boasted. “They work extremely hard to make all parking, concessions and school booths run smoothly.”


“Our artist and craftsmen are of superior quality,” Nix continued. “We have visited shows all across the Southeastern United States to invite quality vendors to our community. They have responded to our invitation, and we welcome them to Cullman and especially to St. Bernard.”
Newcomers will be fascinated by the number of artist who will be painting in their booths, blowing glass figurines, or hammering away at the blacksmith forge. Beautiful pottery, jewelry, marquetry, clothing for women and children, birdhouses, garden items, lawn furniture, leather craft, quilts, woodwork, and wind chimes are just a few items which can be purchased.


“Visitors who enjoy being creative or who enjoy being consumers of the arts will find Bloomin’ Festival enjoyable. In today’s economic down-turn artist have realized items must be priced to sell,” Nix said. “Most items are affordable and priced to sell.”


Entertainment will be provided throughout the entire weekend by students at St. Bernard Preparatory School. Some of the parents will entertain as well. Ave Maria Grotto is open to the public for $2 per person the entire weekend. Visitors are fascinated as they tour the 125 miniature gardens created by a little Benedictine Monk over the past 75 years.


At the conclusion of the show on Sunday, April 19, St. Bernard Prep will give away a 2009 Ford Truck and many other valuable prizes. To be eligible simply donate $5 or more to St. Bernard Prep School. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission donations are $5; Ave Maria Grotto admission is $2.


For more information visit http://www.bloominfestival.com/. The festival is held rain or shine.

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