March 31 - April 2
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the unique Cajun destination, captured in literature by James Lee Burke through the eyes of his fictional character, Detective Dave Robicheaux. Meet Southern storytellers, enjoy Cajun food and music, and discover New Iberia’s fascinating blend of heritage, hospitality, and history.
This year’s Great Southern Writer is New York Times Bestselling author Lisa Wingate. The festival will focus on one of Lisa’s 30 novels, The Book of Lost Friends. The book brings to life startling stories from actual “Lost Friends” advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as newly freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold away. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and author Ted Jackson will also present his book You Ought to Do a Story about Me.
The weekend is also filled with other exciting events including the annual author book fair, writing workshops, cooking demos, and children’s activities. On Saturday Morning we kick off the day with a 5k fun run and a special live podcast recording with the author, Ainsley Britian. The weekend concludes with a symphony on the Iberia City Park on Sunday, April 2nd.
