Bernard Blues & BBQ Festival: A Thrilling Finale with Live Music, Delicious Food, and Exciting Competitions!

CULLMAN, Ala. – The ninth annual Bernard Blues & BBQ kicked off on September 5 at St. Bernard Prep. Artists and cooking teams gathered for a weekend full of food, music, and friendly competition.

On Friday evening, the One Meat Chicken Competition showcased backyard grilling talent. Here are the top five teams:

• First Place: Norala BBQ Team from Trinity
• Second Place: Electro-Que-Ted from Dickson, Tennessee
• Third Place: Cluckin’ Crazy BBQ from Cartersville, Georgia
• Fourth Place: Jury’s Out from Vestavia
• Fifth Place: Wee Daddy’s BBQ from Athens

This year, the festival added a fun twist with its first Kids Q, allowing young grillers to participate.

Saturday brought challenges as storms hit the area. Rain poured, but the KCBS Backyard Competition continued without a hitch. The results were impressive:

• Chicken Competition: First Place – Fire & Shine from Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania; Second Place – Ghost Hill BBQ from Trinity; Third Place – Smokey Bees BBQ from Meridian, Mississippi
• Ribs Competition: First Place – 205 Smoke from Phil Campbell; Second Place – Fire & Shine; Third Place – Puddle Duck from Spring Hill, Tennessee
• Grand Champion: Fire & Shine BBQ
• Reserve Grand Champion: Puddle Duck

Despite the rain, blues artist Kevin Story entertained the crowd before Microwave Dave took the stage.

By Sunday, the skies cleared, and the sun shone brightly. Guests enjoyed gospel blues from Dr. Craig Mann while St. Bernard students and staff worked hard behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

The St. Bernard Dining Hall teamed up with local cook teams to provide delicious offerings, from smoked pork and chicken to sweet treats like funnel cakes and cheesecakes.

The highlight of the festival was the $10,000 Giveaway at 4 p.m. Winners included:

• $10,000: Ashley Taylor from Bremen
• $1,000: Daniel Green from Eva
• $500: Walter Hughes from Hoover
• $250: Margaret Cuny, age 94, from Ardmore, Tennessee

Ashley Taylor’s win felt almost like destiny. Just hours before the drawing, she texted her daughter, praying for the chance to help with her wedding expenses. When announced as the winner, she couldn’t believe her luck. Unable to attend, she sent her daughter to collect the prize. “This helps us so much,” she said, expressing gratitude during a busy time filled with new driving lessons, insurance, and wedding plans.

This year’s festival was a community effort, thanks to everyone who donated, volunteered, or simply showed up to support. St. Bernard looks forward to hosting the 42nd Annual Bloomin’ Festival on April 18-19, 2026.

Events like these highlight the strong sense of community in Cullman. According to recent surveys, such gatherings boost local economies and foster relationships among residents. Festivals provide not just fun but also a chance for local businesses to thrive and for families to connect.

For more information on community events and their impact, visit the Cullman Tribune.

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