Rooted in Tradition, Growing Together in Zachary.

The City of Zachary recognized the 2026 Miss Zachary Pageant winners during Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, celebrating the young representatives for their accomplishments and contributions to the community.

Councilman John LeBlanc and Councilwoman Ambre DiVirgilio recognized the winners and presented each with a City of Zachary lapel pin and a special commemorative crown pin.

The pageant winners proudly served as official hostesses during the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival, held August 14–15. One of the highlights of their experience was the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the City of Zachary, providing a memorable view of the community they represented.

The Miss Zachary Pageant is sponsored by Beth Young, President of the Louisiana Cotillion Auxiliary. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Community, Education & the Spirit of Zachary,” highlighted the importance of community involvement, education and civic pride.

The City of Zachary congratulates all of this year’s winners and recognizes them for representing Zachary with pride, enthusiasm and community spirit.

2026 Miss Zachary Pageant Winners

Pictured from left to right:

• Zachary’s Most Talented Teen: Mollie Cardinale
• Teen Miss Zachary: Kailah Fresina
• Tiny Miss Zachary: Alyssa Sylvester
• Little Miss Zachary: Adelynn McCallister
• Jr. Miss Zachary: Harper Ballard
• Baby Miss Zachary: Madelyn McCullough
• Zachary’s Most Talented Jr.: Sofia Tulegan
• Baby Mr. Zachary: Murphy Cardinale

Also recognized but not pictured:

• Toddler Mr. Zachary: Beckham Noland
• Toddler Miss Zachary: Sage Dewey
• Petite Miss Zachary: Laikyn Farthing
• Miss Zachary: Gabreyela Gonzalez
• Ms. Zachary: Miklyn Herrin

The City of Zachary extends its congratulations to all of the Miss Zachary Pageant winners and thanks them for helping bring excitement, community spirit and pride to the 2026 Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival.

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Recycling Collection Day Changing for Oak Shadows, Meadowview, and Fairview Subdivisions Beginning August 11

Residents of the Oak Shadows, Meadowview, and Fairview Subdivisions are advised of an upcoming change to their recycling collection schedule.

Beginning Tuesday, August 11, recycling collection for these neighborhoods will take place every Tuesday.

Residents are encouraged to place their recycling carts at the curb by the designated collection time on Tuesdays to ensure timely pickup.

This schedule change is part of ongoing efforts to provide reliable and efficient recycling services to the community. We appreciate residents' cooperation and understanding as this new collection schedule takes effect.

For additional information regarding recycling services or collection schedules, please contact your local sanitation department.

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Donate Three Non-Perishable Food Items for a Chance to Win a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Have you ever dreamed of soaring high above Zachary in a hot air balloon?
🎈 Now, you have the opportunity to make that dream come true while helping the Zachary Food Pantry, Inc.

The City of Zachary and the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival are partnering with the Zachary Food Pantry for “Pack the Pantry,” a community food drive designed to help replenish the Pantry’s shelves during a time of critical shortages.

From now through the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival on August 14 and 15, residents are encouraged to donate THREE non-perishable food items for a chance to win an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride over Zachary!

HOW TO ENTER

Simply donate three non-perishable food items at either of the following locations:

📍 Zachary City Hall
4700 Main Street, Zachary
Look for the Zachary Food Pantry donation barrel.

OR

🎈 Bring your donations directly to the Pack the Pantry Trailer at the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival on August 14 and 15.

TWO CHANCES TO SOAR!

🎈 Friday Night Drawing – Sponsored by the City of Zachary
The winner will be drawn and announced Friday night on stage and will be notified that their hot air balloon ride will take place Saturday morning.

🎈 Saturday Night Drawing – Sponsored by the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival
A second winner will be drawn and announced Saturday night. The winner will be able to schedule their hot air balloon ride after the festival on a date of their choice.

This is more than a chance to experience the breathtaking view of Zachary from above—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for local families who depend on the Zachary Food Pantry.

So, grab THREE non-perishable food items, help fill the shelves, and you could be the lucky winner who gets to SOAR ABOVE ZACHARY! 🎈🥫❤️

Give three. Help the Pantry. Maybe win the ride of a lifetime!

For more information about the Pack the Pantry campaign, contact the City of Zachary, 225 654-0287.

Clerk of Court Doug Welborn has announced qualifying dates and locations for the upcoming fall elections, including locations for the convenience of the northern cities of the parish on the opening day.  Qualifying will be held Wednesday, August 5^th through Friday, August 7^th from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Clerk of Court’s Downtown office at 222 St. Louis Street, Room 179 and at their Airline office at 9050 Airline Highway, Suite 100.

The offices for which qualifying will be held by the Clerk of Court’s Office are:

• District Court Judges
• District Attorney
• Family Court Judges
• Juvenile Court Judges
• School Board Members (East Baton Rouge Parish, City of Baker, Central Community and Zachary Community)
• Justices of the Peace
• Constables (Justice of the Peace Courts)
• Baker City Court Judge
• City of Central: Mayor, Chief of Police and Council Members
• Zachary: Mayor, Chief of Police and Council Members

Additionally, to accommodate candidates in the northern part of the parish, Clerk of Court staff will be available to qualify candidates on Wednesday, August 5^th at the Central City Hall, 11530 Sullivan Rd from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  The team will then move Wednesday afternoon to Zachary City Hall at 4700 Main Street in Zachary to qualify candidates from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Candidates from the northern cities in our parish have always appreciated the convenience of local qualifying and we are pleased to continue to offer this service for their elections,” Welborn said. “Qualifying for all offices under our jurisdiction will be available at both locations during our times there.”

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, November 3^rd with the general election to follow on Saturday, December 12^th. Qualifying for Congressional races on the fall ballot will be conducted by the Secretary of State’s Office.  

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