Anyone remember the line from a song in the 1950s sung by Louis Armstrong in one version and Laverne Baker in another? Google “There’ll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight.” It was written in 1890’s as a honky-tonk tune, with a bouncy, lively beat. It’s inviting one to join the party.

Quoting the lyrics, here’s my take on some of what’s happening next weekend in downtown New Iberia.

Come on down, get you ready.

Wear your bran’ new gown

For there’ll be a meetin’

in that good old town.

That’s what this writer is telling you today — inviting you to come out next weekend to downtown New Iberia, and meet a lot of people. And have some fun!

Here are some of the different events happening April 5-7. I can’t mention them all in this limited space, but I’ll give you a taste of the fun. A detailed listing of the weekend’s events can be found at the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival.com website and a short list is in this newspaper today.

Starting on Friday, the “hot times” at the Great Southern Chefs’ Food Demo should be tasty, fun and spicy. It’ll be starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Steamboat Pavilion.

Lunch at Victor’s along with a bus tour of Dave Robicheaux’s Haunts around the parish should be a blast. It is a ticketed event that starts with lunch at 12:30 p.m. Friday, or starting with breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday at Victor’s Saturday

At 4 p.m. Friday, even if poetry isn’t your thing, I recommend the event at the Main Library entitled, “Poetry and Music, Louisiana Style”. I’ve heard Darrell Bourque speak and he brings a lively interpretation to our Cajun heritage through music and lyrics. Mary Broussard brings her Cajun music as accompaniment. This one is free and fun.

When you hear dem bells go ding a ling ling

All join ‘round and sweetly you must sing

There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.

The music continues Friday at 6 p.m. at the “Jazz It Up Opening Reception” at the Shadows. It is billed as a cocktail party featuring the Bunk Johnson Band but the award-winning chefs representing Louisiana Seafood will be cooking and the Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser will be along to join a second line parade beneath the oak trees that everyone participates in — there will be a lot of first timers to this tradition. It’s also a ticketed event, purchase tickets at EventBrite.com.

Run for fun? Saturday begins at 8 a.m. at the Sir Speedy Run starting at Bouligny Plaza for the athletically-inclined. Spectators can begin the day watching the young ‘uns, ‘cause there’s even a Fun Run for kids 1-14. Fees for registration include a T-shirt while they last.

There’ll be girls for everybody

In that good, good, old town

For there’s Miss Consola Davis

And Miss Gondolia Brown.

I don’t know if Consola or Gondolia will be among the Authors’ Book Fair at nearly 50 tables on Main Street but come and see who is. It’s free to walk and talk to writers from all over who want to share their love of writing. Happening Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. plus music and food. What could be more fun than that? Lunch will feature the Berry Classics Band along with food vendors at Bouligny Plaza in the shade overlooking Bayou Teche.

There’s this and so much more that will be happening in “this old town” next weekend. Hope to meet you there!

Please, oh please, oh don’t let me fall.

You’re all mine, and I love you most of all…

There’ll be a hot time

in the old town tonight.

JULAINE DEARE SCHEXNAYDER is retired after a varied career in teaching and public relations. Email her at julaines14@gmail.com.