THE ZACHA Y
ADVOCATE& T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, A p r i l 8, 2026
$1.00N
12TH YEAR, NO. 25
EVERY BUNNY’S HOPPY at Zachary hunt BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Contributing writer
Zachary Men’s Club held its annual Easter Egg Hunt Sunday at the Rollins Road location. The longtime civic organization, led by president Gayton Montgomery, provided baskets, snacks and prizes for area youngsters. The club estimated that more than 250 children participated.
FILE PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Mary and David Landry dance to the music of Chris LeBlanc on March 10, 2023, during the season opening of the Downtown at the Gazebo concert series.
Zachary’s Downtown Live at the Gazebo returns April 25
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
The rhythm of the city is set to return this spring as the City of Zachary’s Downtown Live at the Gazebo committee prepares to launch its highly anticipated 2026 concert series. A staple of the local community, the series transforms the historic downtown area into a hub of music, food and fellowship. The season officially kicks off on April 25 at the Virginia Street gazebo. The 2026 lineup promises a diverse range of genres, starting with two powerhouse acts scheduled for the early spring. Opening the season is Bucket List, a popular Baton Rouge-based band known for their high-energy performances. Specializing in a mix of classic rock, soulful blues and contemporary hits. Following the opener, the Spring Chickens Bluegrass Band will take the stage May 9. This ensemble brings a traditional Louisiana flavor to the series, blending intricate picking with soulful harmonies. Downtown Live at the Gazebo is more than just a concert series; it is a collaborative effort designed to showcase the charm of Zachary’s Historic Village. The events are organized annually by a city committee and are made possible through the support of local businesses and organizations. These sponsorships allow the events to remain free to the public, encouraging families and visitors to explore the downtown area, support local vendors, and enjoy the community atmosphere. The series has seen significant growth over the years, evolving into a destination for local and regional talent including the Chris LeBlanc Band, that opened the 2023 season with soulful blues-rock; Shawnte Floyd, a local recording artist who brought a personal and spiritual message in 2022; and Cullen Wade, a Zachary native who returned home to share his theatrical and musical talents with his community.
Zachary Men’s Club PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER member Milton Lee calls out winners of Kyndel Chase receives an Easter basket full of toys and treats Sunday at the annual Zachary Men’s prizes. Club Easter egg hunt.
Compete in lip sync show Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
Registration and tickets are on sale for Zachary High’s fourth annual Lip Sync Battle on April 16. This event is open to anyone in the Zachary community on stage or in the audience. To enter an act, visit https://tinyurl.com/rc23fhbh. To purchase tickets, visit events.ticketleap.com/tickets/ zhs-choir-department/4th-annuallip-sync-battle.
Shred Day set The Bank of Zachary is hosting
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Zachary Men’s Club Vice President Carl Dawson greets Cary Edens with his children, from left, Ronin, Evie and Benjamin. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
Zachary High spring sports shifting focus with April concluded earlier March was all last month. about the Zachary The baseball team High boys and girls is second in the 5A basketball teams nonselect rankings and their repeat with a record of 23-5 state titles. Warren at the time of writApril brings us to Brady the boys and girls of ing. They opened summer in Zachary district play with ZACHARY SPORTS High baseball and sweeps of Liberty softball. Also, the (15-0 and 9-4) and school’s track and Woodlawn (11-0 and field, tennis and golf teams 13-3). PHOTO BY SONYA GOSS are in the thick of their reZachary Broncos catcher Isaac Gaspard. ä See BRADY, page 3G spective seasons. Bowling