In The News
Now is your chance to nominate someone who goes above and beyond to make Zachary a better place to live!
The Rotary Club of Zachary is seeking nominations for the 2026 Zachary Citizen of the Year. The ideal nominee is a Zachary citizen who exemplifies Rotary’s philosophy of “Service Above Self” and has made a meaningful difference in our community.
Nominees should demonstrate qualities such as:
• Volunteering and active involvement in the community and civic organizations
• Consistent contributions to the Zachary community
• Making a positive impact on the lives of fellow residents
• Representing Zachary or Zachary’s interests at the state or national level
• Going above and beyond the responsibilities of their job or position
• Leadership, compassion, strong moral character, and a genuine desire to make Zachary a better place to live
📝 To nominate someone: Please submit a narrative describing why you believe your nominee is deserving of this special honor.
📧 Email nominations to Sharon.phillips@cityofzachary.org
📅 Deadline: Monday,October 5th
🏆 The 2026 Zachary Citizen of the Year will be introduced at the Zachary Chamber of Commerce Banquet on October 22nd.
Who in our community comes to mind? Nominate them today!
The City of Zachary is honored to welcome the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall back to our community for the first time in 30 years.
For the past four years, Mayor David McDavid has worked tirelessly to bring the Wall back to Zachary, and the City is proud to host this moving tribute honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a portable replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Created to bring this powerful tribute to communities across the country, the Wall gives families and visitors an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who served without having to travel to the nation’s capital. The Wall bears the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who gave their lives or remain missing in action.
The memorial will be displayed on the beautiful campus of Zachary High School.
The Wall Arrives in Zachary
The Wall will arrive in Zachary under a police escort onThursday, November 12, accompanied by the Patriotic Guard Riders. Volunteers will begin the installation of the Wall on the front lawn of Zachary High School.
The official Opening Day Flag Raising Ceremony, hosted by the Bank of Zachary and the Regional Veterans Park Committee, will take place on Friday, November 13, at 7:30 a.m.
Following the ceremony, the Zachary Veterans Day Parade, hosted by the Regional Veterans Park Committee and sponsored by the City of Zachary, will begin at 9:00 a.m. The parade will travel from Zachary High School to the Bank of Zachary and will feature veterans riding in antique vehicles.
Public Viewing Schedule
- Friday, November 13: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 14: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 15: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Closing Ceremony will be held on Monday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Admission is free, and the entire community is invited to attend this special tribute honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of our Vietnam veterans and their families.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The City of Zachary extends its sincere appreciation to thegenerous sponsors whose support helped make this meaningful event possible:
- Bank of Zachary
- Thornton, Musso & Bellemin
- Regional Veterans Park Committee
- City of Zachary
- EFCU Financial
- Will and Laura Steen
- L&A Abstracts - Ricky McDavid
- Bruce Langley / New York Life
- Barry and Brenda Fisher
- Zachary United Methodist Chruch
- Knights of Columbus, St. John Catholic Church
- Lonny A. Myles, APLC
- Darryl and Betty Yoes
We extend our sincere appreciation to Zachary High School for allowing the Wall to be displayed on its beautiful campus.
This event has truly been a community-wide effort, and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, talents and resources to make the Wall’s return possible.
Special thanks to Mayor David McDavid, Sharon Phillips, PIO, City of Zachary and Chairman, the Regional Veterans Park Committee members, Police Chief Darryl Lawrence, Fire Chief Gordon Lipscomb, Zachary High School JROTC, Brittani Gladney and Darren Spears, Brandie Triche, City of Zachary CAO, Wayne Day, City of Zachary Public Works Director, Teressa Sutton of the Louisiana Veterans Home, and the many volunteers who have stepped forward to help erect, staff and dismantle the Wall.
Most importantly, we thank the veterans, their families and the community members who will come together to ensure that the sacrifices represented on this Wall are never forgotten.
Volunteers Needed
There is still time to volunteer during the Wall’s stay in Zachary. Volunteers are needed to help staff the memorial throughout the event.
Volunteer shifts are available in two-hour increments, making it easy to find a time that works for your schedule.
Please sign up through SignUpGenius:
Mark Your Calendars
Please mark your calendars and join us as we welcome the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall back to Zachary after 30 years.
Together, we will honor the heroes whose service, sacrifice and legacy will forever be remembered.
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The City of Zachary invites local businesses, organizations, and individuals to be part of this year’s Fall Fest!
Friday, October 2, 2026
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Downtown Zachary — Lee Street, Virginia Street & Florida Street
Set up a tent or table and represent your business ororganization while enjoying a fun evening with the Zachary community!
Participants are asked to provide something fun for children, such as:
- Candy
- Games
- Coloring activities
- Carnival-style games
- Other fun treats or activities
This is a great opportunity to get involved, connect withthe community, and showcase your organization!
Please note: Items may not be sold from your tent or table. If you plan to sell items, please contact downtownlivezachary@gmail.com for information.
Mayor David McDavid is pleased to announce the 2026 Mayor’s Community Prayer Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Zachary.
This year’s theme, “In the Mix in 2026,” encourages us to be involved, present, and engaged as we navigate life, remain grounded in faith, and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The featured guest speaker will be Danielle Scott, a former Olympic USA Indoor Volleyball player, two-time Olympic silver medalist, and nationally recognized motivational speaker.
Scott is one of the most accomplished athletes in American volleyball history. She competed in five Olympic Games, holding the record for the most Olympic appearances by a U.S. indoor volleyball player. A two-time Olympic silver medalist, Scott has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, USA Volleyball Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. She has also been recognized by USA Volleyball for her courage and perseverance.
Throughout her remarkable career, Scott has inspired thousands of youth, women, men, teams, and organizations across the country and around the world. Through her powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and a championship mindset, she encourages others to overcome trauma, rise above adversity, and choose purpose.
Her message of hope, faith, resilience, and purpose promises to make this year’s luncheon an uplifting and inspirational experience for everyone in attendance.
The luncheon will also feature musical entertainment by the Zachary High School Choir and First Baptist Praise Team. A complimentary fish fry lunch will be served, and doors will open at 11:00 a.m.
Mayor McDavid invites residents, community leaders, churches, businesses, organizations, and friends throughout the Zachary community to come together for this special annual event.
“This luncheon is an opportunity for our community to pause, come together, strengthen our faith, and be inspired by an incredible story of perseverance and purpose,” said Mayor McDavid. “I encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate our faith, our community, and our nation.”
Come be “In the Mix in 2026” for a meaningful time of fellowship, worship, food, music, and inspiration.
2026 Mayor’s Community Prayer Luncheon
Friday, October 9, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Doors Open at 11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church Family Life Center
Zachary, Louisiana
The City of Zachary encourages utility customers to make the switch to paperless billing. It’s convenient, easy, and helps reduce paper waste.
You have two easy ways to enroll:
💻 Option 1: Sign Up Online
- Visit the City of Zachary website and click the “Bill Payment” tab located on the right side of the homepage.
- Enter your utility account number.
- If you do not know your account number, you can register online to access your account.
- Once logged in, select “Profile.”
- Change your Notification Preference to Emai
📞 Option 2: Call the Utility Cashier’s Office
Prefer to speak with someone? Call the City of Zachary Utility Cashier’s Office at 225-654-6871 and request to opt out of paper billing.
Enjoy the Convenience of Paperless Billing!
Once enrolled, your utility bill will be conveniently delivered to your email. You can continue to pay your bill using any payment method you prefer.
Choose convenience. Go paperless today!
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The City of Zachary is excited to announce the upcoming arrival of T & T Smokehouse Meats at the Zachary Depot.
The City of Zachary has officially signed a lease with T & T Smokehouse Meats, a family-owned business operated by Joseph and Engreck Butler and their family. For more than a decade, the Butler family has been serving delicious smoked meats and great-tasting sides to family, friends, and customers throughout Zachary and the surrounding communities.
On Thursday, Mayor David McDavid officially handed over the keys to the Zachary Depot, marking an exciting milestone as T & T Smokehouse Meats prepares to open its doors.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Butler family and T & T Smokehouse Meats to the Zachary Depot,” said Mayor David McDavid. “Their commitment to serving great food and their community makes them a wonderful addition to Zachary, and we look forward to seeing their business grow and thrive here.”
The City of Zachary invites residents and visitors to join in welcoming the Butler family and supporting this new local business.
T & T Smokehouse Meats — Coming Soon to the Zachary Depot!
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.
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.
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 5th through Friday, August 7th 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 5th 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 3rd with the general election to follow on Saturday, December 12th. Qualifying for Congressional races on the fall ballot will be conducted by the Secretary of State’s Office.