In The News
City of Zachary – Downtown Live Committee
The City of Zachary celebrated an exciting new tradition on Saturday, December 6th, as the Downtown Live Committee hosted the 1st Annual Bayou Black Pot Cook-Off immediately following the Zachary Christmas Parade. The event proved to be an overwhelming success, bringing families, friends, and food enthusiasts together in the heart of Downtown Zachary.
Following the parade, attendees visited Old Town Hall and the City Annex to sample a variety of flavorful dishes prepared by local teams. With a $5 sampling wristband, guests were able to taste every pot and cast their vote for their favorite. Entries were judged on Presentation, Aroma, Texture, and Taste, with all proceeds benefitting Downtown Live at the Gazebo and future free community concerts.
Adding to the excitement, visitors were also invited to select the Best Decorated Booth, enhancing the festive atmosphere with creativity and community spirit. The welcoming setup—complete with tables, chairs, and holiday charm—helped create a warm and inviting space for residents to gather and enjoy the day.
The Zachary Downtown Live Committee extends sincere appreciation to everyone who came out to support this inaugural event. Paired with the Farmers Market, the cook-off brought something special to parade day, giving families a reason to come early and stay late. The committee remains committed to fostering community connection while celebrating Zachary’s small-town charm.
“As long as the community continues to enjoy this friendly competition, we will keep working to grow it bigger and better each year,” the committee shared.
🏆 2025 Bayou Black Pot Cook-Off Results
1st Place Champion (First picture)
🥇 Country Boys Roux
Team Captain: Danton Rucker
Dish: Turkey Sauce Picante
Runner-Up (Fourth picture)
🥈 Hebert’s Cast Iron Crew
Team Captain: Chad Hebert
Dish: Taco Soup
Best Booth Presentation (Second picture - Santa Suit)
🎨 Inferneaux
Team Captain: Chris Dear
Dish: Bow Tie Alaya
People’s Choice (Fourth picture)
⭐ Hebert’s Cast Iron Crew
Team Captain: Chad Hebert
Dish: Taco Soup
The City of Zachary and the Downtown Live Committee thank all participants, volunteers, and attendees for making the 1st Annual Bayou Black Pot Cook-Off a memorable success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year!
Christmas is an official City of Zachary holiday. All City of Zachary government offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, 2025 in observance of the holiday.
Please note the following changes to solid waste and recycling collection provided by Waste Management within the City of Zachary:
There will be no garbage or recycling collection on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th.
Waste Management has announced the following adjusted route schedule due to the holiday:
- Thursday routes will be collected on Friday, December 26
- Friday routes will be collected on Saturday, December 27
The City of Zachary wishes everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. Happy Holidays!
Representatives from Waste Management and the City of Zachary Public Works Department recently visited students at Zachary Elementary School to share an engaging and educational lesson on the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship.
During the visit, students received Waste Management–branded pencils, notepads, and seed packets, helping spark conversations about sustainability and how small actions can create big impacts.
Donald Haines with WM Marketing delivered an inspiring message, stating, “It’s about building a better tomorrow. It’s about planting seeds and trees. It’s about picking up your trash, recycling, and keeping a clean environment in your community.”
Students also enjoyed an up-close look at the new WM Smart Truck and had the opportunity to speak with the driver. The Smart Truck features advanced technology that improves the reliability of recycling pickups while reducing pollution—showcasing innovation in action.
The visit highlighted the role young people can play in protecting their environment and reinforced the City of Zachary’s ongoing commitment to a cleaner, greener community.
Pictured (L to R): Donald Haines, WM Marketing; Twila Guerin, City of Zachary Public Works Department; Domontreal Porter, Driver; and Sara Sanders, WM Operations Manager.
The City of Zachary is pleased to announce the availability of a new, free Business Startup Guide designed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in launching their businesses with confidence.
The guide can be picked up at the Zachary City Annex, located at 4650 Main Street. This comprehensive resource provides step-by-step instructions for opening a business in Zachary—whether you’re planning to launch a restaurant, establish a home-based business, or open a retail storefront.
“Our goal is to make starting a business in Zachary as seamless as possible,” said city officials. “This guide offers clear direction for every stage of the process.”
Residents and prospective business owners are encouraged to visit the Economic Development Office, also located at the City Annex, for additional assistance. Staff are available to answer questions and help identify suitable locations for new businesses.
For more information, please contact the City of Zachary Economic Development Office at 4650 Main Street.
Let’s continue building a stronger Zachary—together.
Event Update for Downtown Zachary!
After careful consideration and conversations with our local meteorologists, the City has decided to cancel the Mistletoe on Main event scheduled for tomorrow night. We know this is disappointing, but don’t let the rain dampen your holiday spirit!
This Saturday, December 6th, the Zachary Christmas Parade will roll at 1:00 PM — and we invite you to make a full day of fun in Downtown Zachary!
Shop Local
Visit our downtown businesses, the Zachary Farmer’s Market, and our visiting Artisan Market vendors.
Have Lunch Downtown at local restaurants or attend the:
1st Annual Bayou Black Pot Cook-Off
City Annex near the Mural | 4650 MainStreet
Serving begins at 11:00 AM
$5 sampling wristbands let you taste from every team and vote for your favorite pot!
All proceeds support Downtown Live at the Gazebo and future free concerts.
Zachary Fire Department will be selling delicious Sausage Poboys for $8, with proceeds going to the Local Fire Union.
Holiday Fun for the Kids
Mrs. Claus will be at the Zachary Fire Station handing out books donated by the Zachary Rotary Club.
Santa will be greeting visitors at Old Town Hall on Virginia Street.
Face painting will also be available near the Mural!
Come celebrate with us and enjoy a festive Saturday in Downtown Zachary!
📢 Parade Update!
Due to inclement weather, the start of the Zachary Christmas Parade has been delayed. The parade will now begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6th, instead of the originally scheduled 10:00 a.m. start time.
We hope to see everyone there—stay safe and stay dry!
☔️ Rain, rain, go away! 🎄✨
The City of Zachary is excited to host the Annual Zachary Christmas Parade, rolling through town this Saturday!
🎄 It’s that magical time of year — the 2025 Zachary Christmas Parade is almost here!
This year’s parade will feature 56 floats, dancers, cheerleaders, and more to bring the holiday spirit to life.
Theme: Christmas Movie Spectacular
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Route: Church Street Park to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Parade Length: Approximately 1 hour of festive fun
Road Closures: Streets along the parade route will begin closing at 8:45 a.m.
Bring your Christmas spirit to the streets of Zachary and help us make this year’s parade unforgettable!
🎅 More Holiday Fun Along the Route:
- The Zachary Fire Department will be selling delicious sausage poboys at the Fire Station.
- Downtown Live is hosting its 1st Annual Bayou Black Pot Cook-Off during the parade!
- Guest can purchase $5 tasting wristbands to sample dishes from each team and vote for their favorite
Come celebrate the season with us—see you at the parade!
On Veterans Day, the City of Zachary proudly installed the new Veterans Parkway sign above the existing West Park Road, guiding residents to the Regional Veterans Park. “We were honored to rename the street in recognition of the veterans who, because of their service, allow us to live freely,” said Mayor David McDavid.
The unveiling took place immediately following the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony on November 11th and marked the official start of the Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Zachary.
L.J. Baker, Chief Strategic Initiative Officer at Lane Regional Medical Center, Frank Corcoran, CEO of Lane Regional Medical Center, and Mayor David McDavid joined together to reveal the new sign. “Renaming West Park Road to Veterans Parkway is a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation. As a veteran, I’m honored to be part of this moment alongside Mayor McDavid. This new name will stand as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made and the gratitude we owe our veterans," said L. J. Baker.
🎃 TRICK-OR-TREATING IN THE CITY OF ZACHARY! 👻
🗓 Date: Friday, October 31st
🕕 Time: 6:00– 8:00 PM
Employees from the Mayor’s Office, Tradebe Environmental Services and Sherwin Williams joined forces to restore one of the city’s iconic landmarks during a community day of service.
The historic, old townhall in Zachary, Louisiana got a fresh look today after volunteers from the Zachary Mayor’s office, Tradebe Environmental Services and Sherwin Williams spent the day renovating the nearly 100-year-old building.
The plans for the 1,000square foot building were approved in 1930, and it was completed in 1931 for$4200. It housed the fire engine, jail cell, mayor’s office, and council meeting room.
"The City of Zachary is proud to partner with Tradebe Environmental and Sherwin Williams to restore the Old Town Hall, one of our community’s most treasured landmarks. Their generous support ensures that this historic building—home to priceless artifacts, stories, and traditions—will continue to inspire and connect generations to come. Together, we are preserving the heart of our city’s past while giving it a fresh new look for the future," said Zachary Mayor David McDavid.
“It is truly an honor for Tradebe Environmental Services to collaborate with the Mayor’s office and Sherwin Williams to re-imagine this historic building. Tradebe has facilities across the country, and it is especially important for us to volunteer and invest in the communities where our employees live, work and play. The transformation of the Old Town Hall has been fun to watch. I am thrilled we played such an integral role” said Oriol Mateu, US CEO of Tradebe Environmental Services.
Along with volunteering their time, Sherwin Williams of Zachary also donated brushes, rollers, and more than twenty gallons of paint to support the initiative.
Currently, the building is a museum with archives containing exhibits about local people and places, antique books as well as the original Council table where the aldermen met monthly.
About Tradebe Environmental Services US
Tradebe Environmental Services US | For over 20 years, Tradebe has provided high quality services in the United States, leveraging the power of its local team and assets. With a focus on safety and compliance, Tradebere cycles more than 90,000 tons of waste per year using advanced technologies, aiding customers in achieving their sustainability objectives.
Entering the US Market in 2002 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, Tradebe USA has expanded to more than 40 sites and employs over 900 people. Offering a comprehensive service package spanning from collection and transportation to treatment and recycling, Tradebe USA enables clients to concentrate on their core business while entrusting the intricacies of waste management to their expert team.