Nature has been an inspiration and setting for both literature and symphonic music for centuries, so it’s a befitting tradition that the annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival closes its three-day festivity on April 7 with a symphony concert at New Iberia City Park.

Presented by the Iberia Cultural Resource Association, Symphony Sunday is a free outdoor concert that brings a rare opportunity to many families and an overall sense of community in a beautiful setting.

The day’s activities begin at 1 p.m. with music by a local band, amusements for the children, food and beverages. Bring your chairs and blankets early to claim a sitting spot – or your patch of greenery for a picnic.

Each year the Iberia Cultural Resource Association sponsors a picnic decorating contest before the concert. With groups vying for the prize of having their winning display painted by a local artist, setups have been quite elaborate in the past, including themes centered around birthday parties, jazz, bourbon and wine tasting and tea parties, with props that have included a dining table, chairs and a small chandelier.

Dappled with pretty little picnic scenes, the park comes alive at 3 p.m. when the acclaimed Acadiana Symphony Orchestra begins a two-hour-long concert, led by Music Director and Conductor Mariusz Smolij. In past years audiences have been treated to well-known tunes specially arranged for the outdoor setting that includes a medley of pop, Broadway musical songs, movie themes and jazz. “Often, people perceive an orchestra as a serious ensemble, but it can be a lot of fun too,” Smolij says of the varied repertoire.

Organizing this one-day event takes months of planning centered around stage design, tents and layout for the park, according to Tonio Cutrera who has been in charge of logistics for the concert. Cutrera says he knows of no other city in the area with an annual outdoor symphony concert.

Now in its 17th year, Symphony Sunday is a testament to New Iberia’s commitment to the arts. “We began the event with the intent of offering community members the beautiful music of a symphony free of charge,” says Cathy Indest, president of the Iberia Cultural Resources Association.

While there is no charge, Indest says it costs the Association about $26,000 to put on the event. Monies are obtained from grants provided by the Acadiana Center for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts as well as donations. “We are very grateful for our generous symphony sponsors and patrons who help make this all possible,” adds Indest.