One of author and illustrator Alexis Braud’s dancers from a her new book, ‘Bayou Ballet.’

Music in City Park on a lovely Spring afternoon, as the Acadiana Symphony plays favorite Broadway and classical music, emotes pleasant memories and images. Now that Books Along the Teche Literary Festival has taken the annual “Symphony Sunday In the Park” as its last event of a fun-filled Cajun culture weekend — the prize has dramatically doubled. To the delight of out-of-town festival visitors as well as locals, the pleasantries are reminiscent of simpler times.

Lasting memories has a new meaning when the theme-winning picnic goers receive a customized portrait commemorating their creative genius. Again this year a Louisiana artist will create the likeness of the winning picnic family or group as judged by the Iberia Cultural Resources Association symphony committee.

“Judging criteria for the picnic contest consist of originality, theme interpretation, creativity and theme presentation,” ICRA symphony committee member Ann Allums said.

For 13 years Symphony Sunday has been celebrated as one of four free concerts performed by Acadiana Symphony in Iberia Parish.

“There is so much to see and do this year with The Parich Line Food Truck serving lunch starting at noon and The Iberia Swamp Band also will play at that time, before the Acadiana Symphony at 3 p.m.,” event host Cathy Indest said.

This year for ease with parking at the popular outdoor concert, a shuttle pickup and return will transport riders from the Veterans Building parking area to the picnic grounds. Before the concert gets underway, balloon artists will be giving out free balloons and face painting will be under the oaks from 1 to 3 p.m.

“There will be three prizes for Best Picnic Theme with the first prize being a painting of the winning group,” Allums said. “Judging for theme will be held at 2:45 p.m. Plus, as in times past, there will be an instrument petting zoo at intermission for the children.”

About the Artist

Alexis Braud, the artist for the 2019 concert, is a painting and sculpting graduate from Nicholls State University. Self-proclaimed as the “Lafourche Raconteuse,” Braud is both an author and illustrator for her own books as well as illustrator for other authors. She will be signing books at the Author Fair, along Main Street or in Church Alley, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6. A photo of the winning group will be taken April 7 which Braud will then transform into a single painting. Last year’s group then made copies for its individual members.

There is no admission for the concert or entrance fee for the picnic competition. In the unlikely event of rain, the concert will be held at the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival Building at City Park.